Drug delivery implants

ABSTRACT

An orthopaedic implant includes an internal fixation device. The internal fixation device includes: an exterior surface; a threaded section including a reservoir and at least one threaded section channel fluidly communicating the reservoir with the exterior surface, each threaded section channel having an interior diameter and a length which is greater than the interior diameter; a head including a head channel fluidly communicating the reservoir with an exterior surface of the head, a channel diameter of the head channel being respectively larger than a largest interior diameter of each threaded section channel, the channel diameter of the head channel being the same as a large interior diameter of the reservoir; and a continuously tapering inner surface between the head channel and the reservoir.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/549,748, entitled “DRUG DELIVERY IMPLANTS,” filed Aug. 28, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/549,748 is a non-provisional application based upon U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/092,880, entitled “DRUG DELIVERY IMPLANT”, filed Aug. 29, 2008, and is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/540,676, entitled “DRUG DELIVERY IMPLANTS”, filed Aug. 13, 2009, which are both incorporated herein by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/540,676 is a non-provisional application based upon U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/088,379, entitled “DRUG DELIVERY IMPLANTS”, filed Aug. 13, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference. Further, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/549,748 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/540,760, entitled “ORTHOPAEDIC SCREWS”, filed Aug. 13, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/540,760 is a non-provisional application based upon U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/088,383, entitled “ORTHOPAEDIC SCREWS”, filed Aug. 13, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to implants, and, more particularly, to orthopaedic implants.

2. Description of the Related Art

Orthopaedic implants include short-term implants, long-term implants, and non-permanent implants. Short-term implants include implants for the treatment of infection. Long-term implants include total implants for total hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow joints. Non-permanent implants include trauma products such as nails, plates, and external fixation devices.

Regarding short-term implants, when tissue, especially bone, surrounding an orthopaedic implant becomes infected, that implant must typically be removed, the infection must be eliminated, and a new implant (revision implant) is then implanted. The span of time between implant removal and revision implantation can be from several weeks (about 4 weeks) to a few months (approximately 3 months). During this time surgeons currently have two basic options: create temporary implants during surgery with antibiotic bone cement (created with or without the aid of a mold) or use a preformed antibiotic bone cement temporary implant (e.g. Exactech's InterSpace™ Hip and Knee). In either case, antibiotic bone cement is used to deliver antibiotics directly to the site of the infection in the bone. The patient also typically receives IV antibiotics. The shortcomings of such implants are the limited duration in which they deliver a clinically relevant dose of antibiotics, the lack of ability to change antibiotic type or dose during the 4-12 week treatment time, and the limited patient mobility, range of motion, and weight bearing that they allow.

Further, antibiotic cements typically provide useful local antibiotic levels for a duration of less than one week. The treatment time is frequently 6 to 8 weeks. However, beyond one week, the antibiotic cement implants provide no useful amount of antibiotics.

Further, infections can be caused by a great number of bacteria, viruses, yeast, etc. The effectiveness of various antibiotics depends greatly upon what in particular has caused the infection. Thus, in order to treat an infection most effectively, the cause of that infection must be known. The results of cell cultures give this information and indicate which antibiotic and dose will most effectively treat the infection. The samples for culturing are usually collected during surgery. The results of the culture are not known until several days after the surgery. Since the type of antibiotic cement used in current temporary implants must be chosen at or before the time of surgery, the information gained from the cultures cannot be applied to the antibiotics used at the infection site.

Further, one key to a patient recovering from joint surgery with full range of motion in that joint is to encourage movement of that joint. This helps to prevent the formation of scar tissue and stiffening of tissue around the joint. The current options for temporary implants allow limited range of motion and weight bearing at best.

Regarding long-term implants, with regard to bone ingrowth, bone ingrowth into a porous material is sometimes required to provide stability or fixation of an implant to the bone. Examples of this include porous coatings on total joint components, fusion devices (i.e., spinal fusion devices), and bone augmentation components (i.e., tibial wedges).

With regard to resorbtion, resorbtion can occur in the region surrounding a total joint implant for a number of reasons and can lead to implant loosening and subsequent revision surgery. Some causes of resorbtion include: (1) Stress shielding—Bone tissue requires loading to remain strong and healthy. If an implant does not properly transfer loads to the surrounding bone, regions of bone can resorb; (2) Lysis due to wear particles—Osteolysis and resorbtion are frequently caused by the body's reaction to wear particles created by the bearing of one total joint component on another; (3) Osteoporosis or other bone disorders—bone metabolic disorders can also cause the resorbtion of bone.

With regard to oncology, localized delivery of oncological drugs in the region of tumors may improve results in slowing/halting tumor growth. The ability for localized delivery may also lessen the need/dose of systemic drugs, resulting in fewer side effects.

Regarding non-permanent implants (i.e., trauma implants), such non-permanent implants include nails, plates, and external fixation devices. Nails are temporary, intramedullary devices. They are typically used to treat traumatic fracture. The risk of infection can be high especially in the case of open fractures. With regard to oncology, nails can be used to treat fractures associated with bone tumors. They can also be used to help prevent a fracture where cancer has weakened bone. Plates treat many of the same indications as nails; however plates are applied to the outside of the bone. External fixation devices are a temporary implant that is used to stabilize a fracture. These can be used for days to months. External fixation devices typically include several pins fixed in the bone and extending through the skin to a rigid plate, ring, rod, or similar stabilizing device. These devices carry the added risk of infection due to their extending through the skin. Bacteria can travel along the pins directly to the soft tissue and bone.

Further, orthopaedic implants include internal fixation devices and porous devices. Internal fixation devices include, but are not limited to, screws and anchors.

What is needed in the art is an orthopaedic implant which includes a reservoir and a plurality of channels leading from the reservoir to deliver at least one therapeutic agent locally to bone or surrounding soft tissue, the orthopaedic implant being an internal fixation device and/or a porous device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an orthopaedic implant which includes a reservoir and a plurality of channels leading from the reservoir to deliver at least one therapeutic agent locally to bone or surrounding soft tissue, the orthopaedic implant being an internal fixation device and/or a porous device.

The invention in one form is directed to an orthopaedic implant system, including an orthopaedic implant implantable at a selected location within a corporeal body and configured for delivering at least one therapeutic agent to the corporeal body, the implant defining a reservoir and a plurality of channels, the reservoir configured for receiving the at least one therapeutic agent, the plurality of channels configured for conveying the at least one therapeutic agent from the reservoir to a treatment site relative to the corporeal body, the implant being at least one of an internal fixation device and a porous device.

The invention in another form is directed to a method of using an orthopaedic implant system, the method including the steps of: providing an orthopaedic implant defining a reservoir and a plurality of channels, the implant being at least one of an internal fixation device and a porous device; implanting the implant at a selected location within the corporeal body; receiving at least one therapeutic agent in the reservoir; conveying the at least one therapeutic agent from the reservoir to a treatment site relative to the corporeal body via the plurality of channels; and delivering the at least one therapeutic agent to the corporeal body.

The invention in another form is directed to a method of using an orthopaedic implant, the method including the steps of: providing an orthopaedic implant body defining at least one pathway; receiving at least one therapeutic agent by the implant body; implanting the orthopaedic implant at a selected location within a corporeal body; conveying the at least one therapeutic agent from the implant body to a treatment site relative to the corporeal body via the at least one pathway using pressure generated by the corporeal body to mechanically force the at least one therapeutic agent from the implant body to the treatment site.

The invention in another form is directed to a method of using an orthopaedic implant, the method including the steps of: providing an orthopaedic implant defining a reservoir and a plurality of channels; implanting the implant at a selected location within a corporeal body, the implant being implanted into soft tissue of the corporeal body; receiving at least one therapeutic agent in the reservoir; conveying the at least one therapeutic agent from the reservoir to a treatment site relative to the corporeal body via said plurality of channels; and delivering the at least one therapeutic agent to the corporeal body.

An advantage of the present invention is that it provides an orthopaedic implant that allows for the delivery of drugs directly to the bone and/or surrounding soft tissue.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a temporary or short-term implant that would allow for the delivery of antibiotics directly to the bone and surrounding tissue.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it would allow for post-operative injections of antibiotics into the implant, thereby allowing for the delivery of multiple antibiotics throughout treatment.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the implant according to the present invention allows for the delivery of the correct dose of antibiotics, continuously for any length of time required.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that is provides an orthopaedic implant which can deliver a therapeutic agent locally to bone or surrounding soft tissue as long as the implant remains implanted in a corporeal body.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a long-term implant which would allow drugs to be delivered directly to the bone and surrounding tissue (or to any specific location).

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that, with regard to enhancing bone ingrowth and combating resorbtion, it provides that bone growth stimulators can be injected intraoperatively or postoperatively to enhance or speed bone ingrowth into porous material (i.e., porous coatings on total joint components; fusion devices, i.e., spinal fusion devices; bone augmentation components, i.e., tibial wedges); these drugs could also be injected months to years post-operatively, using an implant according to the present invention, to combat bone resorbtion due to such causes as stress-shielding, osteolysis, or bone metabolic disorders.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that, with regard to oncology, the present invention provides an implant that would similarly allow for delivery of drugs to some or all tissue surrounding the implant.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it would allow antibiotics to be delivered to the bone surrounding the nail of the present invention as a preventative or to treat an infection if one develops.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a non-permanent implant, such as a nail according to the present invention, which can provide the delivery of bone growth stimulators directly to the region of bone fracture(s); such delivery of bone growth stimulators can be advantageous in difficult cases such as non-unions, bony defects, and osteotomies.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a non-permanent implant, such as a nail according to the present invention, which can provide localized delivery of oncological drugs in the region of tumors which may improve results in slowing/halting tumor growth; this ability for localized delivery provided by the present invention may also lessen the need/dose of systemic drugs, resulting in fewer side effects.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides an external fixation device that would allow antibiotics or other anti-infective agents to be provided to the bone and soft tissue surrounding the pins.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a short-term femoral hip implant according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a short-term femoral hip implant system according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a short-term acetabular cup implant according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a top view of a short-term femoral knee implant according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of the short-term femoral knee implant taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a top view of a short-term femoral knee implant according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a front view of short-term femoral knee implant;

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a short-term tibial knee implant;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a side view of a long-term femoral hip implant system according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of the long-term femoral hip implant of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a top view of a long-term femoral knee implant according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of the long-term femoral knee implant taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a top view of a long-term femoral knee implant system according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a side view of a long-term femoral knee implant system according to the present invention, the long-term femoral implant being attached to a femur;

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a side view of a long-term femoral hip implant system according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of the long-term femoral hip implant system of FIG. 15 taken along line 16-16;

FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of an orthopaedic nail according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of an orthopaedic plate according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of an external fixation device according to the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of an orthopaedic implant system including a therapeutic agent cartridge;

FIG. 21 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of an orthopaedic implant of FIG. 20 without the therapeutic agent cartridge inserted therein;

FIG. 22 is a schematic representation of a side view of an orthopaedic implant that is entirely porous;

FIG. 23 is a schematic representation of a side view of an orthopaedic implant that is entirely porous and includes a reservoir and drug delivery channels according to the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of an orthopaedic implant that is partially porous;

FIG. 25 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of an orthopaedic implant that is partially porous and includes a reservoir and drug delivery channels according to the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of an orthopaedic implant that is partially porous and includes a reservoir and drug delivery channels according to the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of an orthopaedic implant system according to the present invention including a sponge-like material;

FIG. 28 is a schematic representation of an orthopaedic implant system according to the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a schematic representation of an orthopaedic implant system according to the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of an internal fixation device, in the form of a bone screw, according to the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a schematic representation of a side view of the bone screw of FIG. 30 inserted into a femur;

FIG. 32 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of an orthopaedic implant system according to the present invention including a bone screw and a reservoir attached thereto;

FIG. 33 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of an orthopaedic implant system according to the present invention including a bone screw and a reservoir attached thereto;

FIG. 34 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of an orthopaedic implant system according to the present invention including a bone screw, a catheter, and a remote reservoir;

FIG. 35 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a bone screw according to the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a bone screw according to the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a schematic representation of a side view of a bone screw according to the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a schematic representation of a side view of a bone screw according to the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a bone screw according to the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a bone screw according to the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a bone screw according to the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a schematic representation of a partially sectional view of an orthopaedic implant system according to the present invention including a bone screw, an attachment device, a catheter, and a port;

FIG. 43 is a schematic representation of a partially sectional view of an orthopaedic implant system according to the present invention including a bone screw, an attachment device, a catheter, and a port;

FIG. 44 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of an orthopaedic implant according to the present invention implanted in a femur;

FIG. 45 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of the orthopaedic implant of FIG. 44 implanted in a femur;

FIG. 46 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of two orthopaedic implants of FIG. 44 implanted respectively in a femur and a pelvis;

FIG. 47 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of an orthopaedic implant according to the present invention;

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of an orthopaedic implant according to the present invention;

FIG. 49 is a bottom view of the orthopaedic implant of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a schematic representation of a sectional view an orthopaedic implant according to the present invention implanted in a corporeal body;

FIG. 51 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of an orthopaedic implant according to the present invention;

FIG. 52 is a schematic representation of a sectional view an orthopaedic implant according to the present invention implanted in a corporeal body; and

FIG. 53 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a porous sheet to be rolled into a screw according to the present invention;

FIG. 54 is a schematic representation of an end view of the sheet of FIG. 53 during the rolling process;

FIG. 55 is a schematic representation of a sectioned end view of the sheet of FIG. 53 after the rolling process;

FIG. 56 is a schematic representation of the sheet of FIG. 53 after the rolling process;

FIG. 57 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a spiraled band of material;

FIG. 58 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of screw layers exploded from one another according to the present invention;

FIG. 59 is a schematic representation of a side view of a screw according to the present invention;

FIG. 60 is a schematic representation of a side view of a screw according to the present invention;

FIG. 61 is a schematic representation of a screw blank according to the present invention;

FIG. 62 is a schematic representation of a sheet showing raised threads formed prior to rolling;

FIG. 63 is a schematic representation of a sheet showing threads formed by material removal prior to rolling;

FIG. 64 is a schematic representation of a plan view of a sheet showing threads formed prior to stacking;

FIG. 65 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a thread prior to assembly to a screw blank; and

FIG. 66 is a schematic representation of an end view of a screw according to the present invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown an orthopaedic implant system 30 according to the present invention which generally includes an orthopaedic implant 32 implantable at a selected location within a corporeal body 34 and configured for delivering at least one therapeutic agent 36 to the corporeal body 34. The implant 32 includes at least one reservoir 38 and a plurality of channels 40. The reservoir 38 is configured for receiving at least one therapeutic agent 36 and can be configured for being refilled with the therapeutic 36 agent after the implant 32 has been implanted in the corporeal body 34. Channels 40 form pathways for the therapeutic agent 36 to move from the reservoir 38 to a treatment site 42 relative to the corporeal body 34. Each pathway formed by a channel 40 is an interior space formed by the walls of channel 40. Channel 40 can, for example, have a circular, square, or some other cross-sectional shape. Thus, channels 40 are configured for conveying at least one therapeutic agent 36 from reservoir 38 to treatment site 42 relative to corporeal body 34.

FIG. 1 shows two reservoirs 38 and a plurality of channels 40 running from each reservoir 38. The implant according to the present invention (i.e., implant 232) may include only one reservoir (i.e., reservoir 238). The reservoirs 38 of FIG. 1 can optionally hold different therapeutic agents 36 at the same time; stated another way, each reservoir 38 can hold a different therapeutic agent 36, or each reservoir 38 can hold at least two therapeutic agents 36. Thus, the implant according to the present invention is configured for delivering a plurality of therapeutic agents to the corporeal body via the reservoir and the plurality of channels; examples of such implants include implant 32 (FIG. 1) and implant 232 (FIG. 3). Further, implant 32 may be formed such that no seal or seal cap is formed over any of channels 40 prior to release of any therapeutic agent 36.

A corporeal body herein means the physical body of a human being or of an animal (i.e., a veterinary patient). Thus, a corporeal body is one of flesh and bones. The corporeal body can be alive or dead. The corporeal body can also be referred to as a patient body herein, which includes both human and veterinary “patients”, alive or dead. “Therapeutic agent” is a general term and includes, but is not limited to, pharmaceuticals and biologics (i.e., biological matter). Therapeutic agents can be variously referred to herein, without limitation, as drugs, pharmaceuticals, medicinal agents, or biologics. Therapeutic agents can be formed, for example, as a liquid, a solid, a capsule, or a bead.

Further, FIG. 1 shows that implant 32 includes a body 44 implantable at the selected location. Body 44 defines reservoir 38 and channels 40 and includes an exterior surface 46. The reservoir of the present invention can be a cavity or an enclosed pocket (closed but for channels extending to the surface of the body of the implant) formed by the body of the implant. The reservoir can be formed by the core (i.e., the central interior portion) of the body, rather than in the exterior surface of the body. The reservoir can occupy a substantial portion of the core but yet still have elongate channels running from the reservoir to the exterior surface. Reservoir 38 can be a cavity in body 44. Reservoir 38 is not necessarily a through-hole through body 44. Channels 40 fluidly communicate reservoir 38 with exterior surface 46 and thereby forms the pathways for the at least one therapeutic agent 36 to move from reservoir 38 to exterior surface 46. That is, channels 40 fluidly communicate reservoir 38 with exterior surface 46 and thereby convey at least one therapeutic agent 36 from reservoir 38 to exterior surface 46. FIG. 1 shows the body 44 of the implant 32 being the implant 32 itself.

Further, FIG. 1 shows that implant 32 is formed as a hip prosthesis and that corporeal body 34 is formed as a hip. More specifically, FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a short-term femoral hip implant 32 (which is one type of orthopaedic implant) which forms part of the upper femur (or, thighbone) and is thus load-bearing. The body 44 of the femoral hip prosthesis 32 of FIG. 1 (the body 44 and the femoral hip prosthesis 32 being coextensive relative to one another and thus being the same structural member in FIG. 1) includes a stem (the downward extending portion of implant 32 in FIG. 1) which can be inserted into the upper femur of a body 34 and a femoral head (the ball portion of implant 32 in FIG. 1) which is received by and mates with an acetabulum (i.e., the patient's natural acetabulum, or a prosthetic acetabular cup). FIG. 1 shows that both the stem and the femoral head include reservoirs 38 and a plurality of channels 40 running from the respective reservoirs 38 to the exterior surface 46 of the implant 32. Depending upon the size of reservoir 38 relative to exterior surface 46 and/or the nearness of reservoir 38 to exterior surface 46, channels 40 can be formed as holes or apertures in body 44. In use, therapeutic agent 36 is inserted in reservoirs 38 prior to and/or after implantation of implant in body 34. Therapeutic agent 36 can then migrate into channels 40 and travel via channels 40 to exterior surface 46 (channels 40 forming holes in exterior surface 46). Therapeutic agent 36 exits channels 40 and contacts treatment site 42, which can be for example bone or soft tissue (it is understood that “bone” includes bone tissue). Optionally, reservoir 38 can be refilled with therapeutic agent 36 (the same or a different therapeutic agent 36) as implant 32 remains implanted in corporeal body 34.

The orthopaedic implant of the present invention can be, for example, a prosthesis, a nail, a plate, or an external fixation device formed as an implantable pin. FIGS. 1-16 and 20-27 shows orthopaedic implants which are prostheses. A prosthesis is an implant that substitutes for or supplements a missing or defective part of the corporeal body. FIG. 17 shows an orthopaedic implant which is a nail. FIG. 18 shows an orthopaedic implant which is a plate. FIG. 19 shows an orthopaedic implant which is an external fixation device with an implantable pin.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the orthopaedic implant according to the present invention. Structural features in FIG. 2 corresponding to similar features in FIG. 1 have reference characters raised by a multiple of 100. Short-term orthopaedic implant system 130 includes a short-term prosthetic implant 132 and an attachment feature 150. Body 144 defines reservoir 138 and channels 140 running from reservoir 138 to exterior surface 146. Attachment feature 150 is for attaching a port (not shown in FIG. 2) thereto. The attachment feature 150 can be a tubular element. The attachment feature 150 and the port can be used to refill the reservoir 138 with a therapeutic agent. Upon filling reservoir 138 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill) via attachment feature 150, the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir 138 to the treatment site via channels 140.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the orthopaedic implant according to the present invention. Structural features in FIG. 3 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by a multiple of 100. FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of another short-term hip implant 232. Prosthetic implant 232 is formed as an acetabular cup, which receives a femoral head. The body 244 of the acetabular cup 232 is the acetabular cup 232 in FIG. 3. Body 244 defines reservoir 238 and a plurality of channels 240 running from reservoir 238 to exterior surface 246. Upon filling reservoir 238 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill), the therapeutic agent moves from the reservoir 238 to the treatment site via channels 240.

FIGS. 4-8 show additional embodiments of orthopaedic implants according to the present invention. More specifically, FIGS. 4-8 show short-term orthopaedic implants formed as prosthetic knee implants, both femoral and tibial prosthetic knee implants. Structural features in FIGS. 4-7 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by a multiple of 100. FIGS. 4 and 5 show that the body 344 of implant 332 is the femoral knee implant 332. Body 344 includes a lower portion (the generally U-shaped piece in FIG. 5) and an optional stem (the vertical, upstanding piece atop the lower portion in FIG. 5). Both the lower portion and the stem include drug reservoirs 338 and drug delivery channels/holes 340 communicating the respective reservoir 338 with exterior surface 346 to deliver the therapeutic agent(s) in the reservoirs 338 to the treatment site(s) 342. FIG. 6 shows a top view of femoral knee implant 432 similar to the implant 332 shown in FIG. 5. Channels 440 are shown as exit holes in exterior surface 446 of the lower portion. The circle in FIG. 6 represents an optional, upstanding stem 452. FIG. 7 shows a front view of short-term femoral knee implant 532 marked with lettering which is more radiopaque than the implant body 544 so that the letters are visible on an X-ray or fluoroscope, as shown in FIG. 7. Upon filling the reservoirs for FIGS. 5 and 6 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill), the therapeutic agent can move from these reservoirs to the treatment site via channels 340, 440.

FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of a short-term tibial knee implant 632 according to the present invention. Structural features in FIG. 8 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by a multiple of 100. The body 644 of implant 632 is the tibial knee implant 632. Body 644 includes a tibial tray (the generally horizontal piece in FIG. 8) and an optional stem (the generally vertical piece below the horizontal piece in FIG. 8). Both the lower portion and the stem define drug reservoirs 638 and drug delivery channels/holes 640 communicating the respective reservoir 638 with exterior surface 646 to deliver the therapeutic agent(s) to the treatment site(s) 642. Upon filling reservoir 638 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill), the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir 638 to the treatment site 642 via channels 640.

The implants according to the present invention shown in FIGS. 1-8 are thus short-term implants that can be used, for example, to treat infections within a corporeal body. Such short-term or temporary implants allow for the delivery of therapeutic agents, such as antibiotics, directly to the bone of a corporeal body and to surrounding tissue.

A device such as a port could be used to allow for post-operative injections of antibiotics into the implant. (See FIG. 2). This would allow for the delivery of multiple antibiotics throughout treatment. Reservoirs and/or channels in the implant would allow the antibiotics from these injections to be delivered over a time-period from hours to weeks. (FIGS. 1-8). Injection intervals of approximately a week would likely be well-accepted clinically. The drugs could be delivered to all bone and soft tissue surrounding the implant or only to specific locations. Variations of this concept would allow for a range of joint mobility from no motion at the joint to the mobility typical of a permanent total joint. These short-term implants can be held in the bone with a loose press-fit or with antibiotic or standard bone cement. In the case of bone cement, cement restrictors would also be included in the technology to prevent cement from sealing over the drug delivery holes.

Antibiotic cements typically provide useful local antibiotic levels for a duration of less than one week. The treatment time is frequently six to eight weeks. However, beyond one week, the antibiotic cement implants provide no useful amount of antibiotics. The implant according to the present invention, by contrast, allows the delivery of the correct dose of antibiotics continuously for any length of time required. Through a feature such as a port attached to the implant of the present invention, the implant reservoir can be refilled as often as necessary to provide the proper drug dosing.

The implant of the present invention allows for any number of antibiotics to be used at any time during treatment. An initial antibiotic can be used at the time of surgery. If the cell cultures indicate that a different antibiotic or dose would be more effective, that change in treatment regimen can be made in accordance with the present invention.

A short-term femoral hip implant, as discussed above, can include a stem and a separate head or could be a one-piece construction. Multiple sizes of stem and head size could be accommodated. A separate acetabular component could be provided, as discussed above. The femoral head could mate with a short-term acetabular component or with the patient's acetabulum. (See FIGS. 1-3). According to the present invention, drugs can be delivered to the acetabulum through the head of the femoral component if an acetabular component is not used (See FIG. 1) or through the acetabular component if one is used (See FIG. 3).

A short term knee implant can include a one-piece tibial component (combining the two pieces of a standard total knee replacement) and a one- or two-piece femoral component (the two-piece design would combine the condyles and stem). The present invention provides multiple sizes of tibia components and of stem and condyles (either combined as one piece or separate). (See FIGS. 4-8). Similar components are provided for shoulder, elbow, and other joints, according to the present invention.

Since the implants of FIGS. 1-8 are designed for short-term use, the short-term implants of the present invention can include markings which are both visible on the implant surface by the naked eye and visible by X-ray, as indicated above. These markings would clearly indicate that the implants are intended for short-term use only. (See FIG. 7).

The present invention provides an orthopaedic implant system (whether short-term, long-term, or non-permanent implants) which provide for continuously delivering drugs to a point near the implant or to the entire region surrounding the implant for extended periods of time. The implants according to the present invention shown in FIGS. 9-16 are long-term implants. Such implants can be used, for example, as total hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow joints within a patient body. The long-term implants of the present invention have a basic similarity with the short-term implants described above. Thus, structural features in FIGS. 9-16 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by multiples of 100. Thus, similar to the short-term implants described above, the present invention further provides a long-term implant which would allow drugs to be delivered directly to the bone and surrounding tissue (or to any specific location). A device such as a port could be used to allow for post-operative injections of drugs into the long-term implant. (See FIG. 14). This would allow for the delivery of any number of drugs throughout treatment and allow for the refilling of drugs to provide proper drug dosing throughout treatment. Reservoirs and/or channels in the long-term implant according to the present invention would allow the drugs from these injections to be delivered over a time period from hours to weeks. (See FIGS. 9-16). The drugs could be delivered to all bone and soft tissue surrounding the implant or only to specific locations.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a long-term femoral hip prosthetic implant system 730 according to the present invention. Structural features in FIGS. 9 and 10 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by multiples of 100. System 730 includes a long-term femoral hip prosthetic implant 732 and a porous surface 754 attached to the exterior surface 746. Similar to the short-term implants discussed above, implant has a body 744 defining a drug reservoir 738 and a plurality of drug delivery channels 740 running from the reservoir 738 to the exterior surface 746 so as to deliver a therapeutic agent(s) to a treatment site in the corporeal body. Porous surface 754 is configured for receiving bone and/or tissue ingrowth therein. Such ingrowth is shown by arrow 756 in FIG. 9. The porous surface 754 can be variously referred to as a porous member, a porous pad, or a scaffold. Drug delivery channels 740 can be routed by or through body 744 so as to avoid the ingrowth region. Stated another way, channels 740 can be routed by or through body 744 so as to avoid releasing therapeutic agents into porous surface 754. By contrast, channels 740 can be routed by or through body 744 so as to release drugs through the ingrowth porous surface 754. FIG. 9 shows channels 740 which avoid releasing drugs into porous surface 754. Upon filling reservoir 738 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill), the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir 738 to the treatment site via channels 740.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a long-term femoral knee implant according to the present invention. Structural features in FIGS. 11 and 12 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by multiples of 100. The body 844 of implant 832 is the femoral knee implant 832. Body 844 includes a lower portion (the generally U-shaped piece in FIG. 12) and an optional stem (the vertical, upstanding piece atop the lower portion in FIG. 12). Both the lower portion and the stem include drug reservoirs 838. The stem further includes drug delivery channels/holes 840 communicating the respective reservoir 838 with exterior surface 846 to deliver the therapeutic agent(s) to the treatment site(s) 846. The lower portion also includes at least one drug delivery channel 840 leading from reservoir to a treatment site. Upon filling reservoir 838 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill), the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir 838 to the treatment site via channels 840.

FIG. 13 shows a long-term femoral knee implant system 930 according to the present invention. Structural features in FIG. 13 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by multiples of 100. System 930 includes a prosthetic implant 932 similar to the implant 832 of FIG. 12 but with a plurality of ingrowth porous surfaces 954 attached to the body 944 of implant 932. Each porous surface 954 is configured for receiving bone and/or tissue ingrowth therein. Further, while the reservoir cannot be seen in FIG. 13, a drug delivery channel 940 leading from the drug reservoir is shown in FIG. 13. The reservoir of FIG. 13 can be situated just under exterior surface 946 as reservoir 838 is shown in FIG. 12. Channel 940 routes around (and thereby avoids) ingrowth pads 954. Upon filling the reservoir of implant 932 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill), the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir of implant 932 to the treatment site via channels 940.

FIG. 14 shows a long-term femoral knee implant system 1030 according to the present invention. Structural features in FIG. 14 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by multiples of 100. System 1030 includes a prosthetic implant 1032 similar to the implant 832 of FIG. 12. Implant 1032 is attached to a femur 1035. The system 1030 further includes an attachment feature or element 1050 (such as a tubular element) for an injection port 1058, an injection port 1058, a catheter 1060, and a reservoir 1062 remote to the implant 1032. The injection port is provided for additional refilling of drugs into the implant 1032, which includes at least one channel for routing the therapeutic agent to the treatment site. Since an external reservoir 1062 is attached to implant 1032, implant body 1044 may or may not define an additional internal reservoir. Upon filling the internal reservoir of implant 1032 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill) via attachment element 1050, injection port 1058, catheter 1060, and external reservoir 1062, the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir of implant 1032 to the treatment site via the drug delivery channels. If implant 1032 does not have an internal reservoir, then the therapeutic agent moves to the treatment site via the drug delivery channels from external reservoir 1062 via catheter 1060, injection port 1058, and attachment element 1050.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show a long-term femoral hip implant system 1130 according to the present invention. Structural features in FIGS. 15 and 16 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by multiples of 100. FIG. 15 shows long-term femoral hip implant system 1130 including a long-term femoral hip prosthetic implant 1132 and an ingrowth porous surface 1154. FIG. 16 shows a first porous surface 1154 on the top (as oriented in FIG. 16) of the implant body 1144 or substrate 1144 (in each of the figures, the body 1144 can also be referred to as a substrate) and a second porous surface 1154 on the bottom (as oriented in FIG. 16) of the body 1144. Porous surfaces 1154 are configured for receiving bone and/or tissue ingrowth therein, as shown by arrow 1156. While FIG. 16 shows some space between porous surfaces 1154 and body 1144, it is understood that this space is for illustrative purposes and that porous surfaces 1154 can be flush with body 1144 but for any adhesive that may be used to attach surfaces 1154 with exterior surface 1146 of body 1144. Each porous surface 1154 includes a first side 1164 attached to exterior surface 1146 of body 1144 and a second side 1166 opposing said first side 1164. Each porous surface 1154 includes a through-hole 1168 running from first side 1164 to second side 1166. Through-hole 1168 is configured for communicating the therapeutic agent 1136 from first side 1164 to second side 1166 and thereby for communicating the therapeutic agent 1136 to the treatment site 1142. The through-holes 1168 in porous surfaces 1154 lead to surface channels 1170 and sub-surface channels 1172, respectively. Channels 1170 and 1172 can function essentially the same as channels 40 in that they are drug delivery channels. FIG. 16 shows a reservoir 1138 and connecting channels 1140 in broken lines; for, it is understood that such a reservoir 1138 and connecting channels 1140 (connecting reservoir 1138 with channels 1170 and/or 1172) may not be visible in this section, or, alternatively, that such a reservoir 1138 and connecting channels 1140 can be optional (stated another way, the implant 1132 would not contain such an interior reservoir 1138 and connecting channels 1140 leading from the reservoir 1138 to the surface channels 1170 or the sub-surface channels 1172).

Further, FIG. 16 shows that exterior surface 1146 of body 1144 can define a surface channel 1170 which is in communication with and cooperates with channel 1140 and through-hole 1168 of porous surface 1154 to provide the therapeutic agent 1136 from the reservoir 1138 to the treatment site 1142. FIG. 16 shows a plurality of such surface channels 1170, each of which can optionally be connected to reservoir 1138 via a respective connecting channel 1140, as discussed above. If implant 1132 has reservoir 1138 and connecting channels 1140, then upon filling reservoir 1138 with the therapeutic agent (either initially or as a refill), the therapeutic agent can move from reservoir 1138 to the treatment site via the channels 1140 and 1170. If implant 1132 does not have reservoir 1138 and connecting channels 1140, then surface channels 1170 can be filled with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill) and the therapeutic agent moves via surface channels 1170, through through-holes 1168, to the treatment site 1142. The therapeutic agent can also be provided to the bone and/or tissue growing into porous surface 1154.

Further, FIG. 16 shows that channels 1140 running from reservoir 1138 can connect to the sub-surface channels 1172. Sub-surface channels 1172 and through-holes 1168 in porous surface 1154 are aligned with and cooperate with one another to provide the therapeutic agent 1136 from the reservoir 1138 to the treatment site 1142. Holes 1174 (which can also be considered as channels of the present invention, like channels 40) are also provided in body 1144 leading from subsurface channels 1172 to exterior surface 1146. These holes 1174 can be considered to be part of the respective channels 1140 and 1172.

FIGS. 15 and 16 thus also show an orthopaedic implant system 1130 including an orthopaedic implant 1132 and a porous surface 1154. The orthopaedic implant 1132 includes a body 1144 implantable at a selected location within a corporeal body 1134 and configured for delivering a therapeutic agent 1136 to corporeal body 1134. Body 1144 of implant 1132 includes an exterior surface 1146 defining a plurality of surface channels 1170 and, as discussed above, can have an absence of a therapeutic agent reservoir 1138. The broken lines of the reservoir 1138 in FIG. 16, as stated above, indicates that the reservoir 1138 is optional. The plurality of surface channels 1170 are configured for receiving, holding, delivering, and being refilled with the therapeutic agent 1136 after implant 1132 has been implanted in corporeal body 1134. Orthopaedic implant 1132 is a prosthesis. Alternatively, implant 1132 can be formed as a nail (FIG. 17), a plate (FIG. 18), or an external fixation device with an implantable pin (FIG. 19). Porous surface 1154 is attached to exterior surface 1146. Porous surface 1154 is configured for receiving at least one of bone and tissue ingrowth therein, as shown by arrow 1156. As discussed above, porous surface 1154 includes a first side 1164 attached to exterior surface 1146 and a second side 1166 opposing first side 1164. Porous surface 1154 includes a plurality of through-holes 1168 running from first side 1164 to second side 1166. The plurality of surface channels 1170 communicate and cooperate with the plurality of through-holes 1168 to provide the therapeutic agent 1136 from the plurality of surface channels 1170, then to first side 1164 of porous surface 1154, and then to second side 1166 of porous surface 1154. Surface channels 1170 can be filled with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill) and the therapeutic agent 1136 moves via surface channels 1170, through through-holes 1168, to the treatment site 1142.

Thus, the present invention could be applied to long-term implants with any type of porous coating or surface or to cemented implants. Drugs could be delivered through the porous coatings or be routed to regions without porous coatings (as disclosed above), depending on the requirements. (See FIGS. 9, 10, 13, 15, and 16). For delivery through the porous coatings, channels can be created on the surface of the implant substrate (the solid material of the implant to which the porous surface is attached—see FIG. 14) or below the surface, as disclosed above relative to FIGS. 15 and 16. For surface channels, holes can be drilled through the porous surface to the surface channels to create a path through which the drugs can be delivered. For sub-surface channels, holes must be drilled from the surface of the substrate (the body of the implant) to the sub-surface channels to create paths for drugs to be delivered. (See FIG. 16). This drilling can occur prior to attaching the porous coating/surface or after the porous coating/surface is attached. If this drilling occurs after the porous coating/surface is attached, the holes will be created through the porous coating/surface and the substrate/body surface. (See FIG. 16).

Cement restrictors can also be used according to the present invention to prevent cement from sealing over the drug delivery holes. The present invention can be applied to all types of total joint implants, such as total hip components, total knee components, total shoulder components, and total elbow components.

With regard to enhancing bone ingrowth and combating resorbtion, bone growth stimulators can be injected intraoperatively or postoperatively to enhance or speed bone ingrowth into porous material (i.e., porous coatings or pads or surfaces on total joint components, on fusion devices (i.e., spinal fusion devices), or on bone augmentation components (i.e., tibial wedges)). These drugs could also be injected months to years post-operatively, using a long-term implant according to the present invention, to combat bone resorbtion due to such causes as stress-shielding, osteolysis, or bone metabolic disorders.

With regard to oncology, the implant of the present invention would similarly allow for delivery of drugs to some or all tissue surrounding the implant. The implants of the present invention may be cemented. The present invention provides a way to route the drugs around the regions of cement and provides a way for preventing the cement from sealing over the drug delivery holes.

The implants according to the present invention shown in FIGS. 17-19 are non-permanent implants. Such implants can be trauma products, such as nails, plates, and external fixation devices. The non-permanent implants of the present invention are not necessarily limited to these devices. The non-permanent implants of the present invention have a basic similarity with the short-term and long-term implants described above. Thus, structural features in FIGS. 17-19 corresponding to similar features in FIG. 1 have reference characters raised by multiples of 100. Thus, similar to the short-term and long-term implants described above, the present invention further provides a non-permanent implant which would allow drugs to be delivered directly to the bone and surrounding tissue (or to any specific location). Reservoirs and/or channels in the non-permanent implant according to the present invention would allow the drugs to be delivered to the treatment site and could be refilled. A nail according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 17. A plate according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 18. An external fixation device according to the present invention is shown in 19.

Nails are temporary, intramedullary devices. They are typically used to treat traumatic fracture. The risk of infection can be high especially in the case of open fractures. The present invention would allow antibiotics to be delivered to the bone surrounding the nail as a preventative or to treat an infection if one develops.

With regard to bone growth, in the case of fractures, there are instances in which the delivery of bone growth stimulators directly to the region of the fracture(s) would be beneficial. This is especially true in difficult cases such as non-unions, bony defects, and osteotomies. The nail according to the present invention would allow for such delivery bone growth stimulators directly to the region of the fracture(s).

With regard to oncology, nails can be used to treat fractures associated with bone tumors. They can also be used to help prevent a fracture where cancer has weakened bone. The nail according to the present invention provides for localized delivery of oncological drugs in the region of tumors which may improve results in slowing/halting tumor growth. This ability for localized delivery provided by the nail according to the present invention may also lessen the need/dose of systemic drugs, resulting in fewer side effects.

FIG. 17 shows an orthopaedic nail 1232 implantable in the corporeal body. Structural features in FIG. 17 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by multiples of 100. Nail 1232 includes a body 1244 defining a reservoir 1238 and a drug delivery channel 1240 leading from drug reservoir 1238 to exterior surface 1246 of nail 1232. The present invention thus provides an orthopaedic nail 1232 with a drug delivery portion, which is similar to that, for instance, for long-term implants, such as a femoral hip implant (such as a hip stem). This design allows drugs to be delivered directly to all areas of the bone or to any specific location. (FIG. 17). A device such as a port could be used to allow for post-operative injections of drugs into the nail 1232. This would allow for the delivery of any number of drugs throughout treatment. Reservoirs 1238 and/or channels 1240 in the nail 1232 would allow the drugs from these injections to be delivered over a time period from hours to weeks. Thus, upon filling reservoir 1238 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill), the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir 1238 to the treatment site via channels 1240. The drugs could be delivered to all bone tissue surrounding the implant or only to specific locations. All types of nails could utilize this technology, including antegrade and retrograde versions of femoral, tibial, and humeral nails.

Orthopaedic plates treat many of the same indications as nails; however, plates are applied to the outside of the bone. Plates offer the same opportunities for delivering drugs locally. Since nails are intramedullary, they can be used to deliver drugs, according to the present invention, primarily to the bone tissue. Since plates are applied to the outside of the bone, they can be used to deliver drugs, according to the present invention, to both bone and soft tissues. Examples of potential soft tissue treatments benefited by localized drug delivery include the enhancement of soft tissue ingrowth or healing, the prevention of infection by the delivery of antibiotics, and the treatment of nearby soft tissue tumors with localized delivery of oncological drugs.

FIG. 18 shows an orthopaedic plate 1332 that is implantable in a corporeal body. Structural features in FIG. 18 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by multiples of 100. Plate 1332 includes a body 1344 defining a reservoir 1338 and a drug delivery channel 1340 leading from drug reservoir 1338 to exterior surface 1346 of plate 1332. Upon filling reservoir 1338 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill), the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir 1338 to the treatment site via channels 1340.

Thus, the drug delivery portion of plate is similar to that for orthopaedic nails according to the present invention. Plate allows drugs to be delivered directly to the bone and surrounding tissue (or to any specific location). A device such as a port could be used to allow for post-operative injections of drugs into plate. This would allow for the delivery any number of drugs throughout treatment. Reservoirs 1338 and/or channels 1340 in the plate implant 1332 allow the drugs from these injections to be delivered over a time-period from hours to weeks. The drugs could be delivered to all bone and soft tissue surrounding the plate implant 1332 or only to specific locations.

External fixation devices are temporary implants that are used to stabilize a fracture. These external fixation devices can be used for days to months. External fixation devices typically include several pins fixed in the bone and extending through the skin to a rigid plate, ring, rod, or similar stabilizing device. These devices carry the added risk of infection considering that the pins extend through the skin. Bacteria can travel along the pins directly to the soft tissue and bone. The present invention can be applied to external fixation devices. Thus, antibiotics or other anti-infective agents can be provided to the bone and soft tissue surrounding the pins. (FIG. 19). An external reservoir could be used to supply/pump antibiotics to the bone and soft tissue.

FIG. 19, for instance, shows an external fixation device 1432 according to the present invention which is a trauma device. Structural features in FIG. 19 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by multiples of 100. External fixation device 1432 includes an implantable pin 1476, a sheath 1478 coupled with pin 1476, and a reservoir 1480 coupled with sheath 1478, pin 1476 defining a plurality of channels 1440. More specifically, pin 1476 includes a wall 1482 defining an inner spatial area 1484 and a plurality of drug delivery channels 1440 or holes 1440. Connected to the outer circumference of the pin 1476 is sheath 1478, which can be coaxial with pin 1476. Sheath 1478 serves to prevent drugs from exiting that portion of the external fixation device 1432 which is outside of the skin 1434. To the right (as oriented on the page of FIG. 19) of the wall of skin 1434 is space that is external to the corporeal body. Further, drug reservoir 1480 is attached to sheath 1478. Drug reservoir 1480 is shaped to allow attachment of the external fixation device 1432 to external fixation rods and/or plates (not shown). The therapeutic agent moves from drug reservoir 1480 to the inner spatial area 1484 of pin 1476, through channels/holes 1440 in pin wall 1482, and to the treatment site. Thus, upon filling reservoir 1480 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill), the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir 1480 to the treatment site 1442 via inner spatial area 1484 and channel(s) 1440.

Shortcomings of temporary bone cement implants used to treat infections are discussed above. An additional shortcoming includes the difficulty of delivering adequate quantities of therapeutic agents through such implants to bone due to lack of blood flow. FIGS. 20-27 provide orthopaedic drug delivery implants which address this shortcoming. More specifically, FIGS. 20-21 provide therapeutic agent delivery via a removable and replaceable cartridge. Further, FIGS. 22-26 provide therapeutic agent delivery via leaching through an implant that is partially or totally porous. Further, FIG. 27 provides a modified reservoir design. The designs shown in FIGS. 20-27 can be used in short-term, long-term, or non-permanent orthopaedic implants. Structural features in FIGS. 20-27 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by multiples of 100.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show an orthopaedic implant system 1530 including an orthopaedic implant 1532 and a cartridge 1586. More specifically, FIG. 20 shows cartridge 1586 inserted in implant 1532. FIG. 21, however, shows implant 1532 with cartridge 1586 removed. Implant 1532 is formed as, for example, a short-term femoral hip prosthetic implant 1532. Implant 1532 is implanted in corporeal body 1534. Implant 1532 is defined by its body 1544. Body 1544 defines a reservoir 1538 and a plurality of channels 1540 running from the reservoir 1538 to the exterior surface 1546 of body 1544. Cartridge 1586 is inserted into and thus received by reservoir 1538, which serves as a housing for cartridge 1586. Thus, reservoir 1538, as a housing for cartridge 1586, may be shaped to matingly accommodate and connect to cartridge 1586. Reservoir 1538 can be generally cup-shaped and thus be open to exterior surface 1546 (and thus reservoir 1538 can essentially be a blind hole in exterior surface 1546) so as to receive cartridge 1586. Cartridge 1586 contains at least one therapeutic agent 1536, which is shown in broken lines in FIG. 20. Cartridge 1586 is configured for releasing the therapeutic agent 1536 (shown as a circle in cartridge 1586) into reservoir 1538 and/or at least one channel 1540 such that the therapeutic agent 1536 moves away from reservoir 1538 in at least one channel 1540 and thus to exterior surface 1546 of body 1544. Cartridge 1586 is removable from reservoir 1538 and is replaceable with another cartridge 1586 after implant 1532 has been implanted in the corporeal body. The first cartridge 1586 is replaced when it is empty of the therapeutic agent (or when it has otherwise released the desired amount of therapeutic agent from the first cartridge 1586). The second cartridge 1586, which replaces the empty first cartridge 1586, is full (or has the desired amount of therapeutic agent therein) of therapeutic agent when it is inserted into reservoir 1538 and thereby replaces first cartridge 1586. Thus, the refilling of reservoir 1538 in system 1530 occurs by replacing first cartridge 1586 with a second cartridge 1586.

Thus, system 1530 can have implant body 1544 and a replaceable portion or cartridge 1586. (FIGS. 20-21). Replaceable cartridge 1586, as stated, contains therapeutics. Upon implantation, the surgeon can decide with what therapeutics to fill cartridge 1586. Over time, cartridge 1586 can be replaced with a new cartridge 1586 filled with the same therapeutic as before or a different therapeutic. Ideally, cartridge replacement would occur as a minor outpatient procedure.

The replaceable cartridge may be optionally formed relative to the implant. As a first option, the cartridge may be considered a distinct device relative to the implant but which can be directly attached to the implant, as shown in FIG. 20. As a second option, the cartridge may be considered a portion of the implant which can be detached from the implant body. As a third option, the cartridge may be a second replaceable implant located within the patient body away from the first implant (i.e., the femoral hip implant) but connected to the first implant, such as via a catheter. As a fourth option, the cartridge may be a device that is situated external to the patient body, while the implant (i.e., the femoral hip implant) is implanted in the patient body.

FIGS. 22-26 show implants that are partially or totally porous to facilitate therapeutic agent delivery via leaching through the respective implant. In much the same manner of powder metallurgy bearings that are self-lubricating, therapeutic agents may be delivered to the patient body from an implant that is partially or totally porous. (FIGS. 22-26). Therapeutics will leach from the porous portions of the implant to the body. Such implants may also contain drug delivery channels, reservoirs, and the various ways of recharging therapeutics as previously discussed herein. FIGS. 22 and 23 each shows a femoral hip prosthetic implant 1632 in which the entire body 1644 of the implant 1632 is porous to facilitate leaching of therapeutic agents therefrom. Pores are labeled as 1690. The implant 1632 of FIG. 22, however, does not necessarily include a drug reservoir or drug delivery channels in addition to the pores. Rather, it is understood that the pores and the connections between the pores form the reservoir and the channels according to the present invention. The “connections” between the pores (1) can be formed by elongate channels extending between the pores, or (2) can be formed simply by the interconnection of adjacent pores which are adjoined and open to one another (no additional elongate channel would extend between the pores in the second example). In use, the therapeutic agent, such as a liquid therapeutic agent, can be pumped into one or more pores of implant 1632; then, the therapeutic agent leaches out through the pores (and any additional connecting elongate channels) to the exterior surface or otherwise to the treatment site. Thus, the therapeutic agent is delivered via the pores 1690 of implant 1632 to the treatment site, which can be within or outside of the pores 1690. By contrast, FIG. 23 shows a drug reservoir 1638 and drug delivery channels 1640 embedded in or defined by the body 1644 of the implant 1632. Thus, upon filling reservoir 1638 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill), the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir 1638 to the treatment site via channels 1640. FIGS. 24-26 each shows a femoral hip prosthetic implant 1732 in which a portion of the body 1744 of the implant 1732 is porous to facilitate leaching of therapeutic agents therefrom. The porous portion of body 1744 is labeled as 1790. The implant 1732 of FIG. 24, however, does not include in addition thereto a drug reservoir or drug delivery channels; but, as stated above relative to implant 1632 and FIG. 24, one or more pores, as well as the connections between the pores (“connections”, as explained above) can form the reservoir of the channels according to the present invention. Thus, the therapeutic agent can be delivered via the porous portion 1790 to the treatment site, which can be within or outside of the porous portion 1790. By contrast, the implants 1732 of FIGS. 25 and 26 do include in addition thereto a drug reservoir 1738 and drug delivery channels 1740. FIG. 25 shows the reservoir 1738 embedded in or defined by the porous portion 1790 of the body 1744 of the implant 1732 and drug delivery channels 1740 at least partially embedded in or defined by the porous portion 1790 of the body 1744 of the implant 1732. Thus, upon filling reservoir 1738 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill), the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir 1738 to the treatment site (which can be either within or outside of the porous portion 1790) via channels 1740. FIG. 26 shows that the reservoir 1738 is not located in the porous portion 1790 and shows the drug delivery channels 1740 at least in part leading to the porous portion 1790. Thus, upon filling reservoir 1738 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill), the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir 1738 to the treatment site (which can be either within or outside of the porous portion 1790) via channels 1740.

FIG. 27 shows an orthopaedic implant system 1830 with a femoral hip prosthetic implant 1832 and a sponge-like or spongy material or element 1892. Similar to the implants discussed above, the body 1844 of the implant 1832 defines a drug reservoir 1838 and drug delivery channels 1840 leading from the reservoir 1838 to the exterior surface 1846 of the body 1844. The reservoir 1838 contains or houses the spongy element 1892. The purpose of this material is to control dispersion of the therapeutic agents from the reservoir 1838 into the drug delivery channels 1840, to keep bone and tissue from growing into and filling the reservoir 1838, and/or to stiffen the implant 1832. Upon filling reservoir 1838 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill) and having positioned sponge-like material 1892 in reservoir 1838, the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir 1838 (and thus also from spongy element 1892) to the treatment site via channels 1840. Depending upon the outcome desired, the material of the sponge-like element 1892 can be a number of possibilities. For example, if the sponge 1892 is to remain in reservoir 1838 for a long time, then a Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) or Ivalon sponge, for example, can be used. On the other hand, if the sponge 1892 is to last a shorter amount of time, then a collagen based material (i.e., Instat, by Johnson and Johnson, for example) or a gelatin sponge (i.e., Gelfoam, by Pfizer, for example), for example, can be used. These examples of the sponge 1892 are provided by way of example, and not by way of limitation.

Any of the devices according to the present invention described above can include a single or multiple attachment features (such as connections for catheters or ports) and a single or multiple sets of reservoirs and/or channels. The same therapeutic agent can be used in all reservoirs/channels, or several therapeutic agents can be used at one time. Separate reservoirs/channels allow each of the therapeutic agents to be delivered to a specific location on the implant, if desired.

Any of the internal (implanted) devices according to the present invention described above can include an internal reservoir (contained within the implant) in conjunction with delivery channels/paths to allow for short- and/or long-term delivery of the therapeutic agents. If an internal reservoir does not exist, the implant can contain delivery channels/paths to allow for the dispersion of the therapeutic agent.

According to the present invention, therapeutic agents can be introduced into the delivery channels/paths and/or implant reservoir of the implant of the present invention by one or more of the following ways:

a. Direct interface between a delivery vessel (such as a hypodermic syringe).

b. Direct attachment of a drug pump, external reservoir (external to the implant, but can be located internally or externally to the patient), and/or port to the implant; that is, a drug pump, external reservoir, and/or port can be attached directly to the implant. A catheter can be, but is not necessarily, located between the drug pump, external reservoir, and/or port and the implant. The therapeutic agent is then introduced into one of these intermediary devices by, for example, a hypodermic syringe. The therapeutic agent is then transferred to the implant delivery channels/paths and/or implant reservoir.

c. A drug pump, reservoir, and/or port can be implanted in the body in another location remote to the implant and/or can be connected to the implant by, for example, a delivery tube or catheter. FIG. 28 shows schematically this option for an orthopaedic implant system. According to system 1930, a reservoir 1994, a pump 1995, and a port 1996 are implanted under the skin of a patient body 1934 remote from implant 1932 and are shown connected via an implanted catheter 1998 to the reservoir 1938 of the implant 1932. The reservoir 1994, pump 1995, and port 1996 are thereby configured for delivering the therapeutic agent (shown by arrow 1936, which also shows the direction of travel of the therapeutic agent) from the reservoir 1994 to the treatment site 1942 via the implant 1932. Stated another way, the pump 1995 and port 1996 can cooperate with the reservoir 1938 to deliver the therapeutic agent 1936 via the catheter 1998 to the reservoir 1938 defined by the body of the implant 1932. The body of implant 1932 can define channels, either sub-surface or surface channels, running from reservoir 1938 to the exterior surface of implant 1932. The implant 1932 is an orthopaedic implant, such as a prosthesis, a nail, a plate, an implanted pin of an external fixation device, an internal fixation device, a porous device, a bladder, a spongy element, an implant implantable in soft tissue, or any other orthopaedic implant.

d. A drug pump, reservoir, and/or port can be located external to the body and connected to the implant by, for example, a delivery tube or catheter. The main difference between the example of this subparagraph and the example of subparagraph c of this paragraph is that the catheter runs from one location inside the body to another location inside the body in the example of subparagraph c of this paragraph, while the catheter runs from outside of the body to the implant inside the body in the example of this subparagraph. FIG. 29 shows schematically this option for an orthopaedic implant system. According to system 2030, a reservoir 2094, a pump 2095, and a port 2096 are not implanted under the skin of a patient body 2034 but are shown connected to the reservoir 2038 of the implant 2032 by a transcutaneous (passing, entering, or made by penetration through the skin) catheter 2098. The reservoir 2094, pump 2095, and port 2096 are thereby configured for delivering the therapeutic agent (shown by arrow 2036, which also shows the direction of travel of the therapeutic agent) from the reservoir 2094 to the treatment site 2042 via the implant 2032. Stated another way, the pump 2095 and port 2096 can cooperate with the reservoir 2094 to deliver the therapeutic agent 2036 via the catheter 2098 to the reservoir 2038 defined by the body of the implant 2032. The body of implant 2032 can define channels, either sub-surface or surface channels, running from reservoir 2038 to the exterior surface of implant 2032. The implant 2032 is an orthopaedic implant, such as a prosthesis, a nail, a plate, an implanted pin of an external fixation device, an internal fixation device, a porous device, a bladder, a spongy element, an implant implantable in soft tissue, or any other orthopaedic implant.

e. A catheter runs from outside the body to the implant inside the body but would not include a pump, a reservoir, or a port being attached to the outside end of the catheter (the outside end being the end opposite the end which is attached to the implant).

The orthopaedic implants of the present invention can be applied in conjunction with any currently available designs, including porous coatings, and can also be used in conjunction with cemented implants.

The present invention further provides a method of using an orthopaedic implant system, such as system 30. The method includes the steps of: implanting an orthopaedic implant 32 at a selected location within a corporeal body 34, implant 32 including a reservoir 38 and a plurality of channels 40; receiving at least one therapeutic agent 36 in reservoir 38; conveying at least one therapeutic agent 36 from reservoir 38 to a treatment site 42 relative to corporeal body 34 via channels 40; and delivering at least one therapeutic agent 42 to corporeal body 34. As discussed above, the implant according to the present invention is a prosthesis, a nail, a plate, or an external fixation device with an implanted pin. Implant 32 includes a body 44 which is implanted at the selected location, body 44 defining reservoir 38 and channels 40 and including an exterior surface 46, channels 40 fluidly communicating reservoir 38 with exterior surface 46 and thereby conveying therapeutic agent 36 from reservoir 38 to exterior surface 46. The method can include attaching a porous surface 1154 to exterior surface 1146, porous surface 1154 receiving bone and/or tissue ingrowth 1156 therein, porous surface 1154 including a first side 1164 attached to exterior surface 1146 and a second side 1166 opposing first side 1164, porous surface 1154 including a through-hole 1168 running from first side 1164 to second side 1166, through-hole 1168 communicating at least one therapeutic agent 1136 from first side 1164 to second side 1166 and thereby communicating at least one therapeutic agent 1136 to treatment site 1142. Exterior surface 1146 can define a surface channel 1170, surface channel 1170 being in communication with and cooperating with at least one channel 1140 and at least one through-hole 1168 and thereby providing at least one therapeutic agent 1136 from reservoir 1138 to treatment site 1142. At least one channel 40 can be a sub-surface channel 1172, sub-surface channel 1172 and through-hole 1168 being aligned with and cooperating with one another and thereby providing at least one therapeutic agent 1136 from reservoir 1138 to treatment site 1142. The method can include implanting a second reservoir 1994, a pump 1995, and/or a port 1996 in corporeal body 1934 remote from implant 1932, connecting second reservoir 1994, pump 1995, and/or port 1996 to reservoir 1938 of implant 1932 by at least one catheter 1998 implanted in corporeal body 1934, and delivering at least one therapeutic agent 1936 to treatment site 1942 via implant 1932, catheter 1998, and second reservoir 1994, pump 1995, and/or port 1996. The method can include providing a second reservoir 2094, a pump 2095, and/or a port 2096 which is not implanted in corporeal body 2034, connecting second reservoir 2094, pump 2095, and/or port 2096 to reservoir 2038 of implant 2032 by at least one transcutaneous catheter 2098, and delivering at least one therapeutic agent 2036 to treatment site 2042 via implant 2032, catheter 2098, and second reservoir 2094, pump 2095, and/or port 2096. The method can include inserting a cartridge 1586 into reservoir 1538, cartridge 1586 containing at least one therapeutic agent 1536 and releasing at least one therapeutic agent 1536 into reservoir 1538 and/or at least one channel 1540 such that at least one therapeutic agent 1536 moves away from reservoir 1538 in at least one channel 1540, removing cartridge 1586 from reservoir 1538 after implant 1532 has been implanted in corporeal body 1534, and replacing cartridge 1586 with another cartridge 1586 after implant 1532 has been implanted in corporeal body 1534. The method can include providing a spongy element 1892, reservoir 1838 containing spongy element 1892. Body 1644, 1744 of implant 1632, 1732 can be partially or completely porous. External fixation device 1432 can include implantable pin 1476, a sheath 1478 coupled with pin 1476, and reservoir 1480 coupled with sheath 1478, pin 1476 defining a plurality of channels 1440. Implant may include only one reservoir. The method can include refilling reservoir 38 with at least one therapeutic agent 36 after implant 32 has been implanted in corporeal body 34. The method can include delivering a plurality of therapeutic agents 36 to corporeal body 34 via reservoir 38 and channels 40 of implant 32.

FIG. 30 shows an orthopaedic implant system 3030 according to the present invention. Structural features in FIGS. 30-31 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by multiples of 100. System 3030 includes an orthopaedic implant 3032 which is implantable at a selected location within corporeal body 3034 and is configured for delivering at least one therapeutic agent 3036 to corporeal body 3034. Implant 3032 defines reservoir 3038 and channels 3040. Reservoir 3038 is configured for receiving at least one therapeutic agent 3036. Channels 3040 are configured for conveying at least one therapeutic agent 3036 from reservoir 3038 to treatment site 3042 relative to corporeal body 3034. Reservoir 3038 can receive therapeutic agent 3036 before or after implant 3032 is implanted in corporeal body 3034. Advantageously, as with the implants described above, implant 3032 can be advantageously simply pumped with a therapeutic agent 3036, which can be a liquid, into the reservoir 3038, the therapeutic agent 3036 then migrating through the channels 3040 to the exterior surface 3046 or otherwise to the treatment site 3042. The orthopaedic implant of the present invention is an internal fixation device 3032 and/or a porous device 3532. Upon filling reservoir 3038 with the therapeutic agent 3036 (either initially and/or as a refill, before or after implantation), the therapeutic agent 3036 can move from the reservoir 3038 to the treatment site via channels 3040.

An internal fixation device is a device which attaches something to the skeleton, a bone, of the corporeal body. An internal fixation device includes, but is not limited to, a bone screw, a bone anchor, a bone tack, a bone graft, or a bone plug. A bone screw, for example, can be used to fix soft tissue (i.e., muscles, ligaments) to bone, or to fix bone to bone. An internal fixation device can be implanted within the corporeal body. Such internal fixation devices may include threads for affixation; alternatively, such internal fixation devices may include barbs (rather than threads) to provide the affixation, may have a smooth shaft with blades at the end of the shaft (the barbs providing the affixation), or may form a press fit with, for example, bone. These examples of the device and the usages of the device are provided by way of example and not by way of limitation.

FIG. 30 shows internal fixation device 3032 as a bone screw 3032 which includes an exterior surface 3046, a head 3031, and a threaded section 3033. Head 3031 includes at least one channel 3040. Threaded section 3033 includes at least one channel 3040. Channels 3040 fluidly communicate reservoir 3038 with exterior surface 3046 and thereby are configured for conveying at least one therapeutic agent 3036 from reservoir 3038 to exterior surface 3046. FIG. 30 thus shows that at least one therapeutic agent 3036 can be delivered through channels 3040 in threads 3033 and/or through the delivery channel 3040 in head 3031. Implant 3032 can include only one reservoir 3038. A similar design can be applied to, for example, a bone anchor.

FIG. 31 shows bone screw 3032 in use in a knee. FIG. 31 shows schematically a knee joint including a femur 3035, a tibia 3037, and a joint capsule 3039. Bone screw 3032 is placed in the femur 3035 within the joint capsule 3039. As such, the reservoir 3038 of bone screw 3032 can be filled with at least one therapeutic agent 3036, which can then flow through the channels 3040 and thereby be delivered directly into the joint capsule 3039 and/or to the femur 3035.

FIG. 32 shows an orthopaedic implant system 3230 according to the present invention. Structural features in FIGS. 32-33 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by multiples of 100. System 3230 includes an internal fixation device (i.e., bone screw 3232) implanted in a bone 3241 and a second reservoir 3243 implantable at the selected location within corporeal body 3234. Second reservoir 3243 includes a plurality of delivery holes 3245 configured for delivering at least one therapeutic agent 3236 to corporeal body 3234. FIG. 32 shows internal fixation device as a bone screw 3232 including a head 3231, a threaded section 3233, and an exterior surface 3246. Second reservoir 3243 surrounds and is attached to head 3231. Head 3231 includes an ingress channel 3247 configured for conveying at least one therapeutic agent 3236 from second reservoir 3243 to reservoir 3238 of bone screw 3232. Threaded section 3233 includes channels 3240. Channels 3240 fluidly communicate reservoir 3238 of bone screw 3232 with exterior surface 3246 and thereby are configured for conveying at least one therapeutic agent 3236 from reservoir 3238 of bone screw 3232 to exterior surface 3246. Second reservoir 3243 can be filled with therapeutic agent 3236 and then communicate therapeutic agent 3236 to reservoir 3238. Alternatively, reservoir 3238 can be filled with therapeutic agent 3236 and then communicate therapeutic agent 3236 to second reservoir 3243. Alternatively, therapeutic agent 3236 in reservoir 3238 and second reservoir 3243 can flow from reservoir 3238 to second reservoir 3243, or vice versa, depending upon the balance of pressures in the reservoir 3238 and the second reservoir 3243. Thus, therapeutic agents 3236 can be delivered through threads 3233 of screw 3232 and/or through reservoir 3238. An anchor or a bone plug can be used in place of the bone screw 3232. Second reservoir 3243 can also be referred to as a bladder or balloon. A syringe can be used to fill or refill reservoir 3238 and/or second reservoir 3243. Upon filling reservoir 3238 and/or second reservoir 3243 with the therapeutic agent 3236 (either initially and/or as a refill, before or after implantation), the therapeutic agent 3236 can move from the second reservoir 3243 and/or reservoir 3238 to the treatment site 3242 via channels 3240 and/or holes 3245.

FIG. 32 shows second reservoir 3243 can be elastic and thereby be configured for expelling at least one therapeutic agent 3236 through holes 3245 and/or into ingress channel 3247. That is, as second reservoir 3243 is filled beyond its elastic yield point, the pressure created by second reservoir 3243 can force therapeutic agent 3236 out through holes 3245 and into ingress channel 3247. Therapeutic agent 3236 can flow from ingress channel to reservoir 3238 and then through channels 3240 to exterior surface 3246 and to a treatment site 3242. Alternatively, FIG. 33 shows second reservoir 3243 can be rigid (not elastic) and can form a permeable membrane configured for controllably releasing at least one therapeutic agent 3236 therefrom. System 3230 in FIG. 33 is substantially identical to system 3230 in FIG. 32 but for second reservoir 3243, as explained herein. Arrows in FIG. 33 show therapeutic agent 3236 flowing through the permeable membrane of second reservoir 3243. As a permeable membrane, second reservoir 3243 can be made of a material that inherently has permeability without having to form holes therein in a separate manufacturing step. Upon filling reservoir 3238 and/or second reservoir 3243 with the therapeutic agent 3236 (either initially and/or as a refill, before or after implantation), the therapeutic agent 3236 can move from the second reservoir 3243 and/or reservoir 3238 to the treatment site 3242 via channels 3240 and/or holes 3245.

FIG. 34 shows an orthopaedic implant system 3430 according to the present invention. Structural features in FIG. 34 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by multiples of 100. System 3430 includes an internal fixation device (i.e., bone screw 3432) implanted in a femur 3435 of a knee joint including the femur 3435 and the tibia 3437. Skin of corporeal body 3434 is also shown in FIG. 34. System 3430 further includes a second reservoir 3462 and a tubular element 3498 (i.e., catheter). Second reservoir 3462 is implanted within corporeal body 3434 remote from bone screw 3432. Tubular element 3498 is implanted within corporeal body 3434. Bone screw 3432 includes an exterior surface 3446. Second reservoir 3462 is coupled with bone screw 3432 via tubular element 3498 and is thereby configured for delivering at least one therapeutic agent to exterior surface 3446 via tubular element 3498, the reservoir, and the channels. The reservoir and channels of bone screw 3432 are not shown in FIG. 34, but it is understood that bone screw 3432 includes a reservoir and channels like those of bone screw 3032. Tubular element 3498 can be coupled with the head of bone screw using, for example, an interference fit; an alternative way of attachment is shown below. FIG. 34 shows bone screw 3432 placed inside the joint capsule 3439. Therapeutic agents are contained in second reservoir 3462, are delivered to screw 3432, and are eluted or otherwise passed from screw 3432 into the femur 3435 and/or the joint capsule 3439. Second reservoir 3462 can be placed within soft tissue, rather than at the knee where the bone is close to the skin. Upon filling reservoir 3462 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill, before or after implantation), the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir 3462 to the treatment site via bone screw 3432. Second reservoir 3462 can be filled prior to or after implantation of reservoir 3462 and/or bone 3432, initially and/or as a refill.

FIGS. 9, 13, 15-16, 22-26, 35-36, 40, 44-49, and 51 show porous devices according to the present invention. The porous device according to the present invention can be a screw, as discussed below, but can be other orthopaedic implants as well. For instance, the porous device can be other internal fixation devices. Further, the porous device according to the present invention can be natural or artificial bone grafts.

Thus, the present invention further provides porous screws and screws that can deliver therapeutic agents. Further, the present invention provides a porous screw for attaching various soft tissues to bone, and/or for attaching bone to bone, and/or for delivering therapeutic agents (for example biologics or drugs) to soft tissue and/or bone. Potential uses include, but are not limited to, ACL and PCL reconstruction, medial collateral ligament repair, lateral collateral ligament repair, posterior oblique ligament repair, iliotibial band tenodesis reconstruction, patellar ligament and tendon repair, pedicle screws for spine repair, bone fracture fixation screw, and drug eluting implant (non-load bearing) for delivery of therapeutics.

An embodiment of the present invention provides an orthopaedic screw having a plurality of regions, at least one of which may be porous. The orthopaedic screw includes a head, a tip and at least one thread. The porosity of the screw of the present invention can vary within the part or region, including changes in pore shape, size and density. These characteristics can vary along the length of the screw axis and/or radially (from the outer diameter to the axis).

The orthopaedic screw of the present invention may further include at least one solid region formed of any implantable polymer, reinforced polymer or metal. The solid region of material may be, for example, at the outer portion of the threads and the leading tip of the screw due to the high stresses present during insertion. The solid region may further include the head of the orthopaedic screw of the present invention.

The materials to create the orthopaedic screw of the present invention can be any implantable polymer, metal or ceramic, or any combination thereof. Possible polymers include polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene, and resorbable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA).

The thread of the orthopaedic screw of the present invention may be continuous or discontinuous and be a single or multiple lead thread. The inventive screw may further be cannulated or non-cannulated.

The orthopaedic screw of the present invention may further be used to locally deliver therapeutic agents that promote positive tissue response (e.g. increased growth rate, decreased inflammatory response). Such therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to, hydroxyapatite, drugs and biologics.

Another embodiment of the orthopaedic screw of the present invention provides for immediate delivery of a therapeutic agent through channels and/or holes and reservoirs for long-term delivery of a therapeutic agent. Access to the delivery channels, holes and/or reservoirs may be gained by provision of a self-sealing polymer diaphragm which can allow for direct interface with a needle at the time of surgery of post-surgery. Alternatively, a removable cap made of PEEK or other implantable material may provide access to and seal the medicine delivery features of the inventive screw.

An advantage of the present invention is that the porous nature of the inventive orthopaedic screw and the ability to deliver therapeutic agents to the surrounding tissue promotes successful tissue integration. Such local delivery of therapeutic agents can aid in such issues as improving the attachment strength of soft tissue to bone in reconstructive surgeries, improving the attachment strength of bone to screw, and strengthen bone in osteoarthritic or osteoporotic patients. Another advantage is that the orthopaedic screw of the present invention can effectively be utilized for long term or short term delivery of therapeutic agents. Another advantage is that the therapeutic agent can be pre-loaded into the device at the factory or loaded by the surgeon before, during, or after surgery.

The present invention provides a device which can have a porous nature and which has the ability to deliver therapeutic agents. The porous nature of the device of the present invention and the ability of the device of the present invention to deliver therapeutic agents therethrough promotes successful bone and/or soft tissue integration.

The present invention provides a screw that is porous and/or can deliver therapeutic agents to the surrounding tissue. The materials to create this screw can be any implantable polymer, metal or ceramic or combinations of these. Possible polymers include PEEK (Poly(etheretherketone)), PEK (Poly(etherketone)), PAEK (poly(aryletherketone)), polyethylene, and resorbable polymers such as PLA (Poly(lactic acid)) and PGA (poly(glycolic acid)). Likely first candidates are PEEK, reinforced PEEK (reinforcing materials include but are not limited to carbon fiber/particles/nanotubes, barium sulfate, zirconia) and titanium/titanium alloys. The screw of the present invention can include the ability to deliver therapeutic agents (such as drugs or biologics) to the surrounding tissue. The therapeutic agent can be selected by the surgeon before the surgery, at the time of surgery, or at any point in time thereafter. In addition, the therapeutic agent can be pre-loaded into the device at the factory through currently acceptable practices or loaded by the surgeon before, during, or after surgery (as a follow-up procedure).

The screw of the present invention can be porous but does not need to be porous.

Structural features in FIGS. 35-43 and 53-66 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by multiples of 100. Screw 3532 of the present invention can be fully porous or have select regions of solid material. FIG. 35 shows a completely porous screw. The reservoir of screw 3532 of the present invention is formed by one or more pores 3590. The channels 3540 of screw 3532 of the present invention are formed by the pores 3590 themselves; more specifically, the interconnected pores 3590 form the channels 3540 to the exterior surface 3546 of screw 3532. Such a porous screw can be pumped, for instance, with a therapeutic agent, such as a liquid therapeutic agent; the therapeutic agent can then leach out through the interconnected pores 3590 to the exterior surface 3546 of implant to a treatment site 3542.

Further, FIG. 36 shows that screw 3532 may include porous region 3590 and a solid region 3593 of material at the outer portion of threads 3533 and leading tip 3549 of screw 3532. The solid region 3593 of material at the outer portion of threads 3533 and leading tip 3549 of screw 3532 may be desired due to the high stresses these regions can see during screw insertion (see FIG. 36). In addition, a very rough porous structure on the outer portion of the threads can cause insertion of the screw to be difficult due to its potential to grab versus slide past or cut through bone/soft tissue. Head 3531 of screw 3532 may be solid. This solid material can be formed of any implantable polymer, reinforced polymer, or metal. To fill or partially fill implant 3532, an attachment device, a catheter, and a port can be used, for example, as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43.

Thread 3533 can be continuous (see FIG. 37) or discontinuous (see FIG. 38) and be a single or multiple lead thread. The porosity of the screw 3532 can vary within the region(s), including changes in pore shape, size, and density. These characteristics can vary along the length of the screw axis and/or radially (from the outer diameter to the axis). Another way of improving integration of the surrounding tissue is to deliver therapeutic agents that promote positive tissue response (e.g. increased growth rate, decreased inflammatory response). The orthopaedic screw of the present invention can be used to locally deliver such therapeutic agents to the tissue surrounding the device. Such local delivery of therapeutic agents can aid in such issues as improving the attachment strength of soft tissue to bone in reconstructive surgeries, improving the attachment strength of bone to the screw, and strengthen bone in osteoarthritic or osteoporotic patients. Therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to, hydroxyapatite, drugs, and biologics.

Screws allowing for localized delivery of therapeutic agents, according to the present invention, can be, but need not be, porous. Porous screws according to the present invention can, but need not, allow for localized delivery of therapeutic agents.

Screw 3532 can contain reservoirs 3538 for the long-term delivery of the therapeutic agents, as illustrated in FIG. 40 and/or channels/holes 3540, as illustrated in FIG. 39, for immediate, local delivery of therapeutic agents. Screw 3532 can further include a plurality of interconnected pores 3590 allowing for local delivery of a therapeutic agent to the surrounding tissue, as shown in FIG. 40. These options are described as follows:

-   -   1. Long term delivery.         -   a. Reservoirs. One or more reservoirs 3538 can allow for the             long-term (hours to weeks) delivery of the therapeutic             agents. Access to delivery channels 3540, reservoir 3538,             etc. of screw 3532 is gained by several ways including:             -   i. Self-sealing polymer diaphragm 3551 can allow for                 direct interface with a needle at the time of surgery or                 post-surgery (see FIG. 40).             -   ii. A removable cap 3553 made of PEEK or another                 implantable material can also provide access to the                 therapeutic agent delivery features and seal these                 features after delivery of the therapeutic agent (FIG.                 41). A tool that facilitates insertion of the screw                 could also aide in assembling cap 3553 to the screw.         -   b. Connect to another device. Access to the therapeutic             agent delivery features of the screw can be provided by             interfacing screw 3532 with a device designed to deliver             therapeutic agents from subcutaneous to elsewhere in the             body (e.g. a port that is frequently used to deliver             therapeutic agents from sub-skin to a vein deeper in the             chest cavity). The last option can include attachment             feature 3555 on screw 3532 that directly interfaces with             port 3596, interfaces with catheter 3598 (which interfaces             with the port 3596), or interfaces with an additional             component, which can be attached to screw 3532 to interface             with port 3596 or catheter 3598. (See FIGS. 42 and 43). FIG.             43 shows an alternative attachment feature 3555. Port 3596             can have a septum (the center circle of port 3596) for             receiving an injection of a therapeutic agent.     -   2. Immediate delivery. No reservoir is required for this         approach, although a reservoir can be provided. The access means         of the reservoir design above (self-healing or self-sealing         polymer diaphragm 3551 and removable cap 3553) can also be used         to access delivery channels 3540 in this design. This design can         also include a simple interface with a delivery tool. An example         of this is a simple slip fit between a delivery needle and the         screw's cannula.

A given screw can contain any or all of these options. Upon filling reservoir 3538 of screw 3532 (whether screw 3532 is porous or not) with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill, before or after implantation), the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir 3538 (or from the pores where the filling with the therapeutic agent occurred) to the treatment site via bone screw 3532.

Cannulation. The screws can be cannulated or non-cannulated.

Sections (A) through (E) are discussed immediately below. These sections are as follows: (A) manufacturing options for making the porous screw according to the present invention; (B) how to bond parts containing polymer(s); (C) how to bond metal/metal alloy parts; (D) manufacturing options for making screw threads of a screw according to the present invention; and (E) and manufacturing options for cannulation according to the present invention. Sections (A) through (E) are discussed in reference to forming a screw according to the present invention. It is understood, however, that the discussion can be applied or adapted as necessary to other internal fixation devices and/or porous devices.

A. Porous Structure—Manufacturing Options According to the Present Invention

The porous structure of the present invention can be manufactured using a variety of methods. These manufacturing options according to the present invention include seven options as follows:

-   -   1. Rolled. A porous sheet can be, for example, rolled into a         screw. This is essentially the reverse of making a radial,         spiral cut that is parallel to the axis of the screw. Layers of         different materials can be combined in this process. This         process involves the following:         -   a. Make a porous sheet with holes in a pattern so that they             line up when rolled.         -   b. Roll sheet (see FIGS. 53-56. FIG. 53 shows a porous sheet             5332 according to the present invention to be rolled into a             screw. FIG. 54 shows an end view of sheet 5332 during the             rolling process. FIG. 55 shows a sectioned end view of the             final product, formed as a screw 5332. FIG. 56 shows the             sheet 5332 with a center 5365 formed as a cannula (an open             hole through the screw axis), or a porous rod, or a solid             rod.). This step can be performed with or without the aid of             a center mandrel or rod.             -   1. The sheet can be rolled without the aid of any center                 mandrels. This can create a cannulated screw. A                 biocompatible pin/rod can be inserted in any center hole                 and bonded to the screw to create a non-cannulated                 screw.             -   2. The sheet can be rolled around a removable mandrel.                 This can create a cannulated screw. A biocompatible                 pin/rod can be inserted in any center hole and bonded to                 the screw to create a non-cannulated screw.             -   3. Alternately the sheet can be rolled around and bonded                 to a biocompatible rod, creating a non-cannulated screw.         -   c. Bond the rolled material.     -   2. Spiraled layers. This method is similar to the rolled         approach, but this method involves bands of material that are         wrapped around one another. The main difference between this         method and that of rolling is that in this method, the bands of         material 5732 translate along the axis while they are wrapped         (see FIG. 57. FIG. 57 shows an example of a spiraled band of         material, the material not having pores). Bands of several         materials can be combined and intertwined. All bands can have         the same direction and pitch of winding or different directions         and pitches. These bands can be wrapped around a mandrel 5765         that is later removed to aid in bonding and to create a cannula.         They can also be wrapped around a pin 5765 which they are then         bonded to, creating a non-cannulated screw. An alternate option         for creating a non-cannulated screw is to create the screw with         or without the aid of a mandrel, then insert and bond a pin         within the center hole of the screw.     -   3. Layered/stacked. Make a number of layers that are stacked and         bonded to create the screw. These layers can be parallel to one         another. The faces of the layers are perpendicular to the axis         of the screw, parallel to it, or any other angle of orientation.         To reduce secondary operations, alignment of one layer to         another may be desirable. Alignment of layer to layer can be         achieved by such ways as alignment fixtures that line up the         center cannula (if the screw is cannulated) of each layer to one         another (by way of a pin for example), fixtures or implant         components/features that align pore or thread features to one         another, or fixtures or implant components/features that align         features on the outer diameter of each layer to one another.         Features can also be created within a given layer to aid in         alignment and/or assembly (such as grooves and mating         protrusions). FIGS. 58-60 show the stacked manufacturing method.         FIG. 58 shows layers 5867 of the screw 5832 exploded from one         another and stacking in the direction of the arrows. FIG. 59         shows a side view of screw 5932 with stacked layers 5967         perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of screw 5832. FIG. 60         shows a side view of screw 6032 with stacked layers 6067         parallel to the longitudinal axis of screw 6032.         Note: The holes shown in FIGS. 58-60 can be created by, for         example, laser cutting, punching, etching, electrical discharge         machining, plasma etching, electroforming, electron beam         machining, water jet cutting, stamping, or machining. For         polymer based materials, they can be created as the sheets are         created by, for example, extruding, injection molding, or hot         stamping.     -   4. Dissolvable material.         -   a. One method involves creating a mixture of powdered             implantable material (e.g. PEEK) and a powder (e.g. salt)             that is soluble in something in which the implantable             material is not soluble (such as water, isopropyl alcohol             for the PEEK example). The mixture is then heated to bond             the implantable particles together. Pressure can also be             applied to aid in the bonding of particle to particle. Heat             can be created by convection or other ways (such as coating             the powder with a material that absorbs a given range of             energy waves—such as laser waves—and causes heating. (e.g.             Clearweld coating by Gentex® Corporation)). Finally,             dissolve away the filler to create the porous implantable             material. This method can create net shape parts or raw             material shapes from which individual parts can be created.         -   b. Another method involves mixing an implantable polymer             with a dissolvable material such as described above. The             mixture is then pelletized and then injection molded to an             intermediary or the final part shape. The filler is             dissolved away to create the porous implantable polymer.     -   5. Stereolithography.     -   6. Laser or electron beam sintering of powdered material.     -   7. A combination of the above methods: for example, using the         dissolvable method to create microporous sheets of PEEK, then         stamping larger pores and stacking to create a screw.

B. How to bond parts containing polymer(s)

Options for Bonding Processes

-   -   1. Heat. Heat can be generated in several ways:         -   a. Ultrasonic welding—use ultrasonic waves to create heat at             the interface of layers.         -   b. Heat staking—use a heated tool to cause melting between             the layers.         -   c. Vibratory welding.         -   d. Laser welding.         -   e. Convection—use an oven to create heat to cause bonding.         -   f. Intermediary layer—for example, use a material that can             absorb energy waves that pass through the polymer (for             example PEEK) without causing damage. The absorbed energy             will cause localized heating. An example of such a coating             is Clearweld by Gentex® Corporation. The laser waves that             Clearweld absorbs pass through the PEEK without causing             damage, allowing the layers to be melted together without             large scale damage to the PEEK.     -   2. Chemical.         -   a. Adhesives—a secondary material (such as adhesive) can be             used to bond the material.         -   b. Solvent bonding—a material in which the polymer or             reinforced polymer is soluble can be applied to the sheet             surfaces allowing multiple surfaces to be bonded to one             another.         -   c. Overmolding—overmolding of the polymer or reinforced             polymer can provide a chemical bonding     -   3. Mechanical.         -   a. Overmolding—overmolding of a polymer or reinforced             polymer can create a mechanical lock between components on a             micro or macro scale (microscale—the molded material locks             with surface asperities of the existing material. Macroscale             features such as tongue-groove connections or undercuts).             The overmolded material can be a separate component from the             layers or one layer can be overmolded onto another layer.         -   b. Features are provided within the layers or by a separate             component which provides a mechanical lock—e.g. a pin, snap             lock connection, dove-tail, tongue-groove, rivet, melting             tabs to create a mechanical lock, etc.         -   c. Some adhesives provide a mechanical bond in addition to             or instead of a chemical bond.     -   4. Combinations of any/all of the above methods.

Order of Processes

-   -   1. Bond all layers together at once—especially attractive for         methods utilizing energy waves to trigger bonding (e.g.         Clearweld coating by Gentex® Corporation or ultraviolet light         curable adhesives).     -   2. Simultaneously bond and roll/stack layers at once—again, may         be especially attractive for methods utilizing energy waves to         trigger bonding (e.g. if light cannot penetrate all layers of a         rolled design in order to activate an adhesive, the rolling         operation could take place in a light box allowing for a         continuous rolling and adhesive curing operation.     -   3. Roll/stack layers and bond in increments. This could add a         single layer at a time or multiple layers.

C. How to Bond Metal/Metal Alloy Parts

Options for Bonding Processes

-   -   1. Heat.         -   a. Laser welding—layers can be laser welded in a number of             locations. Two or more layers or wraps of material can be             welded together at once depending on the size of the part             and alignment of the pores (the laser can access several             layers to be bonded through the porosity).         -   b. Spot welding—traditional spot welding can be used to bond             two or more layers/wraps of material.         -   c. Diffusion bonding/sintering.         -   d. Vibratory welding.         -   e. Ultrasonic welding.     -   2. Adhesives.     -   3. Mechanical ways. Features are provided within the layers or         by a separate component which provides a mechanical lock—e.g. a         pin, snap lock connection, dove-tail, tongue-groove, rivet,         melting tabs to create a mechanical lock etc.     -   4. Overmolding with an implantable polymer. Overmolding of PEEK         or another implantable polymer can create a mechanical lock         between components on a micro or macro scale (microscale—the         molded material locks with surface asperities of the existing         material. Macroscale—features such as tongue-groove connections         or undercuts). The overmolded material can be a separate         component from the layers or one layer can be overmolded onto         another layer.

Order of Processes

As with the polymer materials discussed above, two or more layers of metal can be bonded during increments or as a continuous stacking/bonding process.

D. Making Threads—Manufacturing Options According to the Present Invention

-   -   1. Form the threads after the layers have been bonded to create         a screw blank (see FIG. 61. FIG. 61 shows the screw blank 6132         of the stacked type.).         -   a. Machine the threads         -   b. Hot form the threads with a mold     -   2. Form threads in the sheets prior to bonding.         -   a. Rolling method: The material will not actually create the             complete thread shape until the sheets are formed into the             final shape. Continuous or discontinuous threads can be             created. Design options for this method include creating             raised material that forms the threads (see FIG. 62) or             removing material to leave the thread material (see FIG.             63). The raised material in the first method can be created             by way of machining, laser ablation, hot stamping, hot or             cold forming, chemical etching, electro-discharge machining             and similar methods. The material of the second method can             be removed by way of machining, laser cutting, stamping,             etching, punching, electro-discharge machining, water jet             cutting, electron beam machining or other means. FIG. 62             shows a sheet 6232 according to the present invention having             raised threads 6233 formed prior to rolling. FIG. 62 shows             raised material to form threads 6233. The bottom portion of             FIG. 62 (below the broken lines) shows a top view of the             sheet 6232 prior to rolling. The top portion of FIG. 62             (above the broken lines) shows a side view (more precisely,             an edge view) of the sheet 6232 prior to rolling. The             threads of the bottom portion and top portion of FIG. 62             align with one another per the broken lines, which show the             correspondence between the bottom and top portions of             FIG. 62. FIG. 63 shows a sheet 6332 showing threads 6333             formed by material removal prior to rolling. In FIG. 63, D             is screw major diameter, t is sheet thickness, and p is             screw pitch. FIG. 63 shows a vertical tab T and a horizontal             tab T (as oriented on the drawing page), one or both of             which may be removable. Porous region is labeled as 6390,             the circles showing pores. An open area (no material) is             labeled as A. The area labeled as B shows a thread region             which may be solid or porous or may gradually change from             solid to porous starting at the tab and moving inward to the             porous region 6390. The sheet 6332 may be rolled and bonded             to make screw 6332.         -   b. Stacking method: Continuous or discontinuous threads can             also be created by this method. The ‘ears’ of material in             each layer 6467 form the threads 6433 when the layers are             stacked (see FIG. 64). These can be created by way of             machining, hot stamping, hot or cold forming, dies/punches,             chemical etching, electro-discharge machining and similar             methods. FIG. 64 shows preformed threads 6433 in one layer             6467 of a stacked part. Stated another way, FIG. 64 shows a             sheet showing threads 6433 formed prior to stacking.     -   3. Add separate threads—Threads can be formed separately and         attached to the screw blank. Separate threads can look like 6533         in FIG. 65. The material for these threads can include:         biocompatible polymers, reinforced biocompatible polymers and/or         biocompatible metals. The attachment ways for these threads         include:         -   a. Mechanical attachment—press/interference fit, tabs.         -   b. Overmolding—mold the solid, porous, or reinforced polymer             screw inside of the solid threads or mold the porous, solid             or reinforced polymer threads onto the already formed screw.         -   c. Adhesive or solvent bonding.

E. Cannulation—Manufacturing Options According to the Present Invention

With any of the manufacturing methods, screws can be created with or without a cannula.

-   -   1. Cannulated.         -   a. Rolling method. In this method, it can be desirable to             wind the material around a mandrel that is at the center of             the screw, running along its axis. This mandrel can be             removed to leave an open cannula (see FIG. 66). FIG. 66             shows a screw 6632 with an open cannula after the mandrel is             removed during the rolling method.         -   b. Layered method. A center hole at the axis of each layer             is created to form the cannula when they are stacked             together.     -   2. Non-cannulated.         -   a. Rolled method.             -   i. The sheet can also be bonded to the mandrel, with the                 mandrel forming a portion of the implant. This mandrel                 can be solid or porous and of any implantable material                 such as PEEK or titanium.             -   ii. In addition, the material can be formed around a                 removable mandrel, creating a cannula. This cannula can                 be then be filled with a biocompatible material that is                 attached/bonded to the screw.         -   b. Layered method. The layers that are stacked to create the             screw can have solid material in place of the holes that             would create the cannula. Alternately, they can have             cut-outs creating the cannula and this cannula can be filled             with a biocompatible material that is attached/bonded to the             screw.

Structural features in FIGS. 44-49 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by multiples of 100. The porous device can also be formed as a bone graft. It is understood that “bone graft” refers to either a natural bone graft or an artificial bone graft. A natural bone graft is taken from an alive donor or a dead donor. A natural bone graft can be taken from the corporeal body which is to receive the implanted bone graft, taken from another human being, or taken from an animal (such as autografts, allografts, and xenografts). FIGS. 44-45 show a natural bone graft, formed as a bone plug 4432, which is implanted in the distal end of the femur 4435 for delivering at least one therapeutic agent 4436. The bone plug 4432 is placed in the distal intramedulllary canal of the femur 4435. The bone plug 4432 includes an artificially formed reservoir 4438, artificially formed channels 4440, and an exterior surface 4446. It is understood that such a natural bone plug 4432 likely has naturally formed pores, which possibly can receive bone and/or soft tissue ingrowth therein (as shown by arrow 4456). FIG. 46 shows two such bone plugs 4432 for delivering therapeutic agent(s) 4436. The bone plugs 4432 are shown placed in bone near the joint space. FIG. 46 shows the hip joint capsule 4439. One bone plug 4432 is implanted in the pelvic bone 4457. The other bone plug 4432 is implanted in the femoral head of the femur 4435. Bone plug 4432 can deliver therapeutic agents(s) directly within the joint capsule 4439 and/or to the bone 4435, 4457. FIG. 47 shows a bone graft 4732 without artificially formed reservoir and channels; rather, bone graft 4732 in FIG. 47 includes a plurality of naturally formed pores 4790 which form the reservoir and the plurality of channels. The reservoir 4738 is formed by one or more such pores 4790. The channels 4740 are formed by the interconnection between the pores 4790 to the exterior surface 4746. FIG. 47 shows bone and/or soft tissue ingrowth by arrow 4756. FIGS. 48-49 show an artificially formed bone graft 4832, which can also be referred to as a porous surface or scaffold. The scaffold 4832 is shown in a simplified form, for illustrative purposes. The scaffold 4832 has two layers, each layer having a plurality of pores 4890. The pores 4890 of each layer are offset with each other in a way that still forms pathways or channels 4840 extending between the top and bottom sides of the scaffold. One or more pores 4890 of the scaffold 4832 can form the reservoir 4838, the interconnected pores 4890 also forming the channels 4840. Bone and/or soft tissue ingrowth is shown by arrow 4856. FIG. 49 shows the bottom side of the scaffold 4832 shown in FIG. 48. Thus, the dashes in FIG. 49 show the pores 4890 from the top layer of the scaffold 4832 in FIG. 48. The circles which have a solid line defining its entire perimeter are pores 4890 formed in the bottom layer of the scaffold 4832 shown in FIG. 48. The scaffold 4832 can be made of metal, polymer, or ceramic. Further, FIGS. 48-49 show an inflow of a liquid or fluid therapeutic agent (using arrow 4836) which is provided (i.e., by a pumping action) to the implant 4832, the therapeutic agent 4836 then leaching out through the pores 4890 and/or channels 4840 to the exterior surface 4846 of the implant 4832 to the treatment site. Upon filling reservoirs of implants 4432, 4732, 4832 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill, before or after implantation), the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir to the treatment site via the implant 4432, 4732, 4832.

The present invention further provides a method of using an orthopaedic implant system 3030, 3530. The method includes the steps of: providing an orthopaedic implant 3032, 3532 defining a reservoir 3038, 3538 and a plurality of channels 3040, 3540, implant 3032, 3532 being at least one of an internal fixation device 3032 and a porous device 3532; implanting implant 3032, 3532 at a selected location within corporeal body 3034, 3534; receiving at least one therapeutic agent 3036, 3536 in reservoir 3038, 3538; conveying at least one therapeutic agent 3036, 3536 from reservoir 3038, 3538 to a treatment site 3042, 3542 relative to corporeal body 3034, 3534 via channels 3040, 3540; and delivering at least one therapeutic agent 3036, 3536 to corporeal body 3034, 3534.

Internal fixation device 3032 includes an exterior surface 3046, the plurality of channels 3040 fluidly communicating reservoir 3038 with exterior surface 3046 and thereby conveying at least one therapeutic agent 3036 from reservoir 3038 to exterior surface 3046. Internal fixation device 3032 is a bone screw 3032 including an exterior surface 3046, a head 3031, and a threaded section 3033, head 3031 including at least one channel 3040, threaded section 3033 including at least one channel 3040, channels 3040 fluidly communicating reservoir 3038 with exterior surface 3046 and thereby conveying at least one therapeutic agent 3036 from reservoir 3038 to exterior surface 3046.

The method can further include implanting a second reservoir 3243 at the selected location within corporeal body 3234, delivering at least one therapeutic agent 3236 to corporeal body 3234 via a plurality of holes 3245 in second reservoir 3243, internal fixation device 3232 including an exterior surface 3246, second reservoir 3243 at least partially surrounding and being attached to internal fixation device 3232, internal fixation device 3232 including an ingress channel 3247 conveying at least one therapeutic agent 3236 from second reservoir 3243 to reservoir 3238 of internal fixation device 3232, plurality of channels 3240 fluidly communicating reservoir 3238 of internal fixation device 3232 with exterior surface 3246 and thereby conveying at least one therapeutic agent 3236 from reservoir 3238 of internal fixation device 3232 to exterior surface 3246. Internal fixation device 3232 can be a bone screw 3232 including a head 3231, a threaded section 3233, and an exterior surface 3246, second reservoir 3243 surrounding and being attached to head 3231, head 3231 including ingress channel 3247 conveying at least one therapeutic agent 3236 from second reservoir 3243 to reservoir 3238 of bone screw 3232, threaded section 3233 including channels 3240, channels 3240 fluidly communicating reservoir 3238 of bone screw 3232 with exterior surface 3246 and thereby conveying at least one therapeutic agent 3236 from reservoir 3238 of bone screw 3232 to exterior surface 3246. Second reservoir 3243 can be elastic and thereby expel at least one therapeutic agent 3236 through holes 3245 and/or into ingress channel 3247. Second reservoir 3243 can be rigid and form a permeable membrane which controllably releases at least one therapeutic agent 3236 therefrom.

The method can further include implanting a second reservoir 3462 within corporeal body 3434 remote from internal fixation device 3432, implanting a tubular element 3498 within corporeal body 3434, second reservoir 3462 coupled with internal fixation device 3232 via tubular element 3498 and thereby delivering at least one therapeutic agent 3436 to an exterior surface 3446 of internal fixation device 3434 via tubular element 3498, reservoir of device 3432, and channels of device 3432. Internal fixation device 3432 is a bone screw 3432.

Porous device 3532 is partially porous (FIG. 36) or completely porous (FIG. 35). Porous device can be a natural or an artificial bone graft 4732, 4832 including a plurality of pores 4790, 4890 forming reservoir 4738, 4838 and channels 4740, 4840, porous device 4732, 4832 receiving bone and/or soft tissue ingrowth 4756, 4856 therein. Porous device can be a natural bone graft 4432 which is configured for being implanted in a bone 4435 and for delivering at least one therapeutic agent 4436 directly within a joint capsule 4439 and/or to bone 4435.

The implant according to the present invention may include only one internal reservoir. The method can further include refilling reservoir 3038 with at least one therapeutic agent 3036 after implant 3032 has been implanted in corporeal body 3034. The method can further include delivering a plurality of therapeutic agents 3036 to corporeal body 3034 via reservoir 3038 and channels 3040. Reservoir 3038 receives at least one therapeutic agent 3036 after implant 3032 has been implanted in corporeal body 3034 and then communicates at least one therapeutic agent 3036 via channels 3040 to treatment site 3042.

The present invention further provides a method of using an orthopaedic implant, the method including the steps of: providing an orthopaedic implant body 5044 defining at least one pathway 5040 (shown by arrow 5040); receiving at least one therapeutic agent 5036 by implant body 5044; implanting the orthopaedic implant 5032 at a selected location within a corporeal body 5034; conveying at least one therapeutic agent 5036 from implant body 5044 to a treatment site 5042 relative to corporeal body 5034 via at least one pathway 5044 using pressure generated by corporeal body 5034 to mechanically force at least one therapeutic agent 5036 from implant body 5044 to treatment site 5042. Structural features in FIGS. 50-51 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by multiples of 100. Implant body 5044 can be an elastic bladder. Alternatively, the implant implanted as shown in FIG. 50 can be a spongy element 5132 including a plurality of pores 5190, the at least one pathway 5140 formed by at least one pore 5190. FIG. 50 shows an orthopaedic implant 5032 according to the present invention formed as a bladder or reservoir. Implant 5032 thus forms an internal reservoir 5038. Reservoir 5032 has holes or channels 5040 for delivering the therapeutic agent 5036 to the treatment site 5042. FIG. 51 shows a spongy element 5132 includes an implant body 5144 with interconnected pores 5190 forming at least one channel 5140. Depending upon the outcome desired, the material of the spongy or sponge-like element 5132 can be a number of possibilities. For example, if the sponge 5132 is to remain implanted for a long time, then a Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) or Ivalon sponge, for example, can be used. On the other hand, if the sponge 5132 is to last a shorter amount of time, then a collagen based material (i.e., Instat, by Johnson and Johnson, for example) or a gelatin sponge (i.e., Gelfoam, by Pfizer, for example), for example, can be used. These examples of the sponge 5132 are provided by way of example, and not by way of limitation. FIG. 50 shows implant 5032 implanted under the quadriceps tendon 5059, as well as femur 5035, tibia 5037, and patella 5061. The forces experienced during walking and other motion can be used to force the therapeutic agent(s) 5036 from the implant 5032. Upon filling reservoir 5038, 5138 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill, before or after implantation), the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir 5038, 5138 to the treatment site via channels 5040, 5140.

The present invention further provides a method of using an orthopaedic implant 5232, the method including the steps of: providing an orthopaedic implant 5232 defining a reservoir 5238 and a plurality of channels 5240; implanting implant 5232 at a selected location within a corporeal body 5234, the implant 5232 being implanted into soft tissue 5263 of corporeal body 5234; receiving at least one therapeutic agent 5236 in reservoir 5238; conveying at least one therapeutic agent 5236 from reservoir 5238 to a treatment site 5242 relative to corporeal body 5234 via plurality of channels 5240; and delivering at least one therapeutic agent 5236 to corporeal body 5234. Such an implant 5232 can be a reservoir, a bladder, a balloon, a sponge, a cloth, or any other orthopaedic implant configured for being implanted into soft tissue 5263. Soft tissue 5263 refers to bodily tissue other than bone. Implant 5232 is implanted into soft tissue 5263 such as a muscle, a ligament, a tendon, a joint capsule, a fibrous tissue, fat, a membrane, and/or cartilage of said corporeal body. Orthpaedic implant 5232 according to the present invention and soft tissue 5263 are shown schematically in FIG. 52. Structural features in FIG. 52 corresponding to similar features in prior figures have reference characters raised by multiples of 100. Upon filling reservoir 5238 with the therapeutic agent (either initially and/or as a refill, before or after implantation), the therapeutic agent can move from the reservoir 5238 to the treatment site via channels 5240.

The present invention thus provides a drug delivery implant configured for delivering therapeutic agents for the treatment of osteoarthritis or other diseases. The implant can deliver one or more therapeutic agents to the targeted joint capsule. Such an implant can be applied to any joint. Such joints include, but are not necessarily limited to, hip, knee, ankle, wrist, facets, and joints within the hand and foot.

The implants according to the present invention are placed in or near the targeted joint space to allow for the delivery of therapeutic agents to the joint space. Generally, the implant is designed to hold fast to the bone and/or soft tissue near the target joint, provide a reservoir to hold therapeutic agents that will be delivered to the region over a period of days, weeks, or months, and deliver those agents at a desired rate. In addition, these devices can allow the implant to be filled at the time of surgery and/or at any time after surgery and allow the surgeon to select one or more therapeutic agents to be delivered at any of these times.

The general shape of the implant according to the present invention can be that of a screw (see FIG. 30), reservoir, bladder, balloon, plug, anchor, sponge and/or cloth. Implants can be combinations of these possibilities, such as a screw with a balloon attached to the screw head (see FIGS. 32 and 33) or a screw or anchor attached to a porous balloon via a catheter (see FIG. 34).

The implants according to the present invention can be placed directly in the joint space, in the bone surrounding the joint (see FIGS. 31, 32, 33, 34, 44, 45, 46), in the soft tissue surrounding the joint (see FIGS. 51-52), or in combinations of these (see FIG. 34).

The goal is to deliver therapeutic agents to the joint space. This can be accomplished by delivering the agents directly to the joint space, to the bone and/or soft tissue surrounding the joint, or to a combination of these. (See FIGS. 31-34, 44-46, 50, 52).

Transport of the therapeutic agents to the tissue can be achieved by, for example, osmosis, diffusion, or pressure. An example of a device which uses osmosis is a rigid reservoir with a permeable membrane to allow for the controlled release of the therapeutic agent. An example of a device which uses diffusion is a rigid reservoir with delivery channels (see FIG. 30). An example of a device which uses pressure is an elastic bladder which is filled with therapeutic agents beyond its elastic yield point and which has holes in the bladder. The force of the bladder contracting will force the therapeutic agent through the holes into the tissue (see FIG. 32). Another example of a device which uses pressure to deliver therapeutic agents is one that utilizes the forces generated within a joint and the surrounding tissue to force the therapeutic agent from the bladder into the surrounding tissue. For example, a bladder with delivery pores can be implanted between the quadriceps tendon and the femur (see FIG. 50, and optionally FIG. 34).

Each of the implants according to the present invention (including those described above) is configured for delivering a plurality of therapeutic agents to the corporeal body via the respective reservoir and channels. Further, with respect to each of the implants (including those described above) according to the present invention, the respective reservoir(s) is configured for receiving at least one therapeutic agent after the implant has been implanted in the corporeal body and then communicating at least one therapeutic agent via the respective plurality of channels to the treatment site. Further, with respect to each of the implants according to the present invention (including those described above), the respective reservoir(s) is configured for being refilled with at least one therapeutic agent after the implant has been implanted in the corporeal body (see, for example, FIGS. 40-43). Thus, each of the implants according to the present invention (including those described above) can be filled with the therapeutic agent, such as a liquid, before or after implantation and can be refilled after implantation in a simple manner using for instance a pump and a catheter, as described above.

While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An orthopaedic implant, comprising: an internal fixation device, said internal fixation device including: an exterior surface; a threaded section including a reservoir and at least one threaded section channel fluidly communicating said reservoir with said exterior surface of said internal fixation device, each threaded section channel having an interior diameter and a length which is greater than said interior diameter; a head including a head channel fluidly communicating said reservoir with an exterior surface of said head, a channel diameter of said head channel being respectively larger than a largest interior diameter of each threaded section channel, said channel diameter of said head channel being the same as a large interior diameter of said reservoir; and a continuously tapering inner surface between said head channel and said reservoir.
 2. The orthopaedic implant according to claim 1, wherein said at least one threaded section channel communicates said reservoir with said exterior surface of said bone screw and thereby convey said at least one therapeutic agent from said reservoir to said exterior surface of said bone screw.
 3. The orthopaedic implant according to claim 1, wherein said internal fixation device includes only one said reservoir.
 4. The orthopaedic implant according to claim 1, wherein said reservoir is refillable.
 5. The orthopaedic implant according to claim 1, wherein said internal fixation device comprises at least one of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene, polylactic acid (PLA), and polyglycolic acid (PGA).
 6. The orthopaedic implant according to claim 1, wherein said threaded section includes at least one thread comprising at least one of a polymer, a reinforced polymer, and a metal.
 7. The orthopaedic implant according to claim 1, further comprising a second reservoir in fluid communication with said reservoir.
 8. The orthopaedic implant according to claim 7, wherein said second reservoir is in fluid communication with said reservoir via said head channel.
 9. The orthopaedic implant according to claim 7, wherein said reservoir is at least partially filled with a first therapeutic agent and said second reservoir is at least partially filled with at least one of said first therapeutic agent and a second therapeutic agent different from said first therapeutic agent.
 10. The orthopaedic implant according to claim 1, wherein said internal fixation device includes a plurality of threaded section channels including at least one threaded section channel on a first side of said reservoir and at least one threaded section channel on a second side of said reservoir opposite said first side. 